On Tuesday night, the board of directors for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voted to bestow honorary awards to Spike Lee and Gena Rowlands. The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award will also be presented to Debbie Reynolds.
Spike Lee us arguably the most famous black filmmaker in the history of American cinema and for many years has been an outspoken critic of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
These honorary awards are given yearly to those who have shown extraordinary lifetime achievements, exceptional contributions to motion picture arts and sciences, and outstanding service to the Academy.
The awards will be presented on November 14 at the seventh annual Goevernors Awards at the Grand Ballroom at Hollywood and Highland.