Oscar voters honor Lee, Rowlands, Reynolds at gala

Carrie Fisher’s mom was due to be presented with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences annual gala, but on the eve of the event, Reynolds revealed she would be unable to accept the prize herself. But there also was an awareness and mention of world events right off the top.

“So as we gather here to celebrate our history and a few of the people who have made it, we also mourn those who died”.

United States director Spike Lee has called for more diversity in the film industry while accepting an honorary Oscar.

Zooey Deschanel kicked off the show with a rendition of Oscar-nominated song Tammy, which was sung by Debbie Reynolds in 1957 movie Tammy and the Bachelor. Granddaughter Billie Lourde accepted on her behalf.

“She’ll put it in a place she’s always secretly saved for it”, said Lourd. Unfortunately our leader needed a little backup tonight.

“All of us here stand in solidarity and support of France and the French people”, she said.

Rowlands, who like Lee received an “honorary Oscar”, is no stranger to long days on movie sets.

Looking lovingly at the golden trophy, Rowlands thanked the academy governors for “introducing me to this fine fellow”.

Rowlands has also received two Oscar nominations in the past, for 1974 film A Woman Under the Influence and 1980 thriller Gloria.

Cate Blanchett and Laura Linney both paid tribute to Rowlands, calling her a trailblazer and inspiration. Keaton told Ronan how much he liked her work; Boyle excitedly went to meet Rowlands; Mara stopped to say hello to “Amy” director Asif Kapadia; “Sicario” cinematographer Roger Deakins huddled with “Son of Saul” director Laszlo Nemes and star Geza Rohrig; Gavron and “Suffragette” screenwriter Abi Morgan talked to Larson and Tremblay; transgender actress Kitana Kiki Rodriguez met Will Smith, there to represent “Concussion” … “You know, he’s just so elegant…” As Nick said they mostly shot their films in their own home on a tiny budget, but they became classics.

In addition to his aforementioned comments regarding the progress – or lack of it – for African American filmmakers, Lee who is by FAR the youngest ever recipient of one of these honors proceeded to recount his whole career before he wisely chose to cut it short.

The night ended with the presentation to Lee, which began with singer Aloe Black performing Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” before Samuel L. Jackson, Denzel Washington and Wesley Snipes brought the house down with a loose, shambling presentation.

As for the other aspects of the Governor Awards. the show itself though untelevised was lots of fun.

The Governors Awards yearly is likely one of the academy’s key occasions forward of the Oscars, the movie business’s prime awards given out in February.