Master of Illusion Ridley Scott Wins Oscar Honor at Last

The King of Untethered Vision Finally Grabs a Golden Oscar

After more than half a century, 'Ridley Scott', the maestro who reshaped Hollywood's landscape, has at last broken the Academy's long-standing indifference and earned the honor of an achievement award. It's a new milestone in the director's film history—work that produced countless masterpieces but somehow stayed stubbornly disconnected from the Oscar trophy.

The board of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) formally announced on the 10th (local time) that director 'Ridley Scott', actor 'Glenn Close', and animator 'Floyd Norman' will be the recipients of the 'Academy Achievement Award' at the 17th Governors Awards. The board lavished praise on Scott, saying he is “a true pioneer whose decades of dedication have had a profound impact on the film industry and culture at large.”

An Endless Evolution of a Maestro, and the End of a Curse

Over more than 60 years, Scott climbed into the ranks of legends by breaking the limits of genres, including 'Blade Runner', 'Prometheus', and 'Napoleon'. But one thing—especially—the competitive categories of the Academy Awards have been unforgiving to him. He earned nominations for best director for 'Dangerous Liaisons', 'Gladiator', and 'Black Hawk Down', and for best picture with 'The Martian', yet he never once stood on the stage to accept an award. Even when 'Gladiator' won best picture in 2001, the trophy returned to the producer because it was blocked by barriers in the rules. This achievement award marks a monumental turning point that fully ends that long stretch of 'Oscar misfortune'.

Hollywood Legends Finally Wear a Crown Fit for Them

Scott isn't the only one who broke the Academy's brutal curse. 'Glenn Close', a veteran actress who had endured disappointment despite landing an Academy nomination eight times over a 50-year acting career—including for 'Dangerous Liaisons' and 'The Wife'—will also have her lifelong artistic achievements recognized with this achievement award.

Also honored is 'Floyd Norman', who joined the Walt Disney Animation Studios in 1956 and left a groundbreaking mark as the studio's first Black animator. He is the key behind the scenes that helped spark an era-spanning slate of acclaimed animated films, including 'Sleeping Beauty', 'The Jungle Book', and 'Toy Story 2'.

At the Summit of Film Art, a Night in November

The 'Academy Achievement Award' is dedicated to legends who devoted their lives to contributing to the advancement of film art and the sciences. The 17th Governors Awards, which will honor their great journeys, will raise a dazzling curtain on Nov. 15, with global filmmakers' attention trained on the event.