The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that Angela Bassett, Mel Brooks, and Carol Littleton will receive honorary Oscars at the Governors Awards this year. Michelle Satter from Sundance Institutes will also receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Awards. The awards ceremony will occur in Los Angeles on November 18th, 2023. Academy President Janet Yang said,

Across her decades-long career, Angela Bassett has continued to deliver transcendent performances that set new standards in acting. Mel Brooks lights up our hearts with his humor, and his legacy has made a lasting impact on every facet of entertainment. Carol Littleton’s career in film editing serves as a model for those who come after her. A pillar of the independent film community, Michelle Satter has played a vital role in the careers of countless filmmakers around the world.

Basset has been acting in Hollywood for over 40 years. She received her first Oscar nomination for portraying Tina Turner in What’s Love Got To Do With It? (1993). Her second Oscar nomination would come from the role of Queen Ramonda in Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). She made history by being the first actor from Marvel Studios and the first woman from a superhero movie to be recognized in the Academy. Basset also has ties to Boyz N the Hood (1991) and Black Panther, both nominated films. Basset is a seven-time Emmy-nominated actor. This year she has two submissions for the awards: Fox’s 9-1-1 as lead drama actress and narrator for Good Night Oppy.

Brooks is a director, writer, songwriter, producer, and actor. His comedy has won him significant recognition in the Academy’s history. His directorial and screenwriting on The Producers (1967) with Gene Wilder awarded him the best original screenplay Oscar. The Producers went on to be a Broadway musical earning him 3 Tony awards. Brooks also earned two nominations for Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein.

Littleton has been a film editor for five decades. She was an Oscar nominee for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982). She is also on the Academy’s Board of Governors for the Film Editors Guild. She is an established member of the Board of Directors of American Cinema Editors.

Satter is the senior director of Sundance Institute’s Artist Programs. She fostered the careers of hundreds of award-winning filmmakers from underrepresented communities for over 40 years. Her humanitarian efforts have earned her the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.