The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences held the 16th annual Governor’s Awards on November 16 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom located in Ovation Hollywood. The award ceremony acknowledges individuals who have made major contributions to the entertainment industry.
The 16th award ceremony had four honorees this year; Tom Cruise, Dolly Parton, Debbie Allen and Wynn Thomas. Cruise received his first and hard earned Oscar award, director Alejandro Inarritu presented him with the gold statue. Cruise’s speech brought light to his other nominees, he spoke about Thomas and his contributions to film and design in entertainment. When talking about Parton, Cruise acknowledged her strong presence in American culture as an entertainer, advocate and artist. Allen’s tribute was to her artistic and compassionate expression, Cruise says “You are a once in a lifetime force of kindness and artistic expression.” He continues to describe her role in opening doors for other aspiring artists within the industry. The rest of his speech commemorates his peers for being able to create his journey in film and cinema and how film brings everyone together all over the world. A memorable quote from his speech was “Making films is not what I do. It’s who I am.”
Allen received her own honorary Oscar for her contributions to multiple genres through her work of choreography and acting. She speaks about how film was her access to imagination and escape as a younger girl. Allen also speaks about her fellow honorees in good light, bringing notice to their own contributions and she also honors everyone else who has gotten her to where she is today, her own mentors and idols throughout the times. She ends her speech by talking about how her legacy was built on support from others and that there is still hope and resilience present in the world.
Thomas follows Allen with his own gratitude filled speech; his honorary Oscar was won for his contributions to production design in film. His speech brought light to community and how important it was to his Oscar award. Thomas speaks about sharing his award with not only his broad community but also with everyone that was close to him from the start. He sheds light on his tough upbringing in lower income areas of Philadelphia and how books were his escape and helped harness his talents for being able to bring stories to life. Thomas ends his speech with honoring his mother and grandmother who even without understanding his appeal for the arts, let him go so that he could grow and learn.
Finally, Parton rounds up the ceremony by being awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian award, which honors her contributions to her compassion and charity for the community. She was unable to attend the event herself but filmed a short speech clip. Parton speaks about how her parents always honored giving to others to bring blessings upon yourself and family. Parton’s gratitude for being able to give back was a clear message throughout her speech and her life.
