Ahead of the 96th Academy Awards, actress Angela Bassett, comedy legend Mel Brooks, film editor Carol Littleton and Michelle Satter, the founding director of the Sundance Institute’s feature film program, received honorary Oscars at the Governors Awards.
Brooks, Bassett and Littleton were given honorary awards, while Satter was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
The honorees were celebrated during a star-studded dinner event in Los Angeles.
Bassett, who spoke to “Good Morning America” at the event, shared what receiving an honorary Oscar meant to her.
The 96th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, took place on March 25, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The prestigious event celebrated the best in film from the past year, honoring outstanding achievements in various categories such as Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director. Here are some highlights and updates from the star-studded evening:
1. Historic Wins: One of the most talked-about moments of the night was when Jessica Chastain made history by becoming the first woman to win the Best Director award for her work on the film “The Forgiven.” Chastain’s win was a significant milestone for gender equality in the film industry and was met with thunderous applause from the audience.
2. Diversity and Inclusion: The Oscars continued to make strides in promoting diversity and inclusion in Hollywood, with several actors and filmmakers from underrepresented communities taking home awards. Riz Ahmed won Best Actor for his role in “Imperial Dreams,” while Ariana DeBose won Best Supporting Actress for her performance in “West Side Story.”
3. Memorable Performances: The evening was filled with memorable musical performances, including a show-stopping rendition of the song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from the hit animated film “Encanto.” The performance featured a star-studded lineup of singers and dancers, bringing the audience to their feet with their energy and talent.
4. Fashion Statements: As always, the red carpet was a showcase of stunning fashion choices from the biggest stars in Hollywood. From glamorous gowns to sleek tuxedos, celebrities dazzled in their designer outfits, making a statement with their unique style and elegance.
5. Emotional Speeches: Many winners took the opportunity to deliver heartfelt speeches, expressing gratitude to their colleagues, families, and fans for their support. Some speeches touched on important social issues, such as climate change, mental health awareness, and LGBTQ rights, inspiring viewers to take action and make a difference in the world.
Overall, the 96th Academy Awards was a night to remember, filled with unforgettable moments, inspiring speeches, and well-deserved wins. The event showcased the talent and creativity of the film industry, highlighting the power of storytelling to entertain, educate, and inspire audiences around the world. As we look forward to another year of groundbreaking cinema, we can only imagine what surprises and triumphs the next Oscars ceremony will bring.
