Story perspectives

Close, Scott, Norman Honored; Vachon, Koffler Win Thalberg

6/11/2026

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Summary

Close Honored

Academy will present honorary Oscars to Glenn Close, Sir Ridley Scott and Floyd Norman at 17th Governors Awards on November 15.
Close, with eight Oscar nominations—the most for performers without a win—will receive an Academy Honorary Award.
Scott, with four Best Director nominations, and Norman, a Black animator hired in 1956, will receive an Academy Honorary Award.
Producers Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler of Killer Films will receive the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award.

Summary

Rolex Co-Sponsors

Rolex will co-sponsor the 17th Governors Awards, the first luxury-watch partnership.
The 55-member Board of Governors includes Marlee Matlin, Ava DuVernay, Jason Reitman, Pam Abdy, Peter Kujawski, Hannah Minghella, Carter Burwell, Jason Blum and Larry Karaszewski.
The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award will not be presented this year because it is not annual.
Segments from the Governors Awards will appear in March 14, 2027 Oscars broadcast hosted by Conan O’Brien.
Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award will accompany honorary Oscars to recognize high-quality producers.

History

Historical Context

When Disney released Lady and the Tramp in 1955, its first CinemaScope animated feature that earned $6.5 million in North American rentals, the studio began expanding technical and staffing horizons. Decades later, the Academy’s Governors Awards, now partnered with sponsors, honor Disney veteran Floyd Norman alongside Glenn Close and Ridley Scott, reflecting the earlier drive toward broader representation.

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Close Honored

Academy will present honorary Oscars to Glenn Close, Sir Ridley Scott and Floyd Norman at 17th Governors Awards on November 15.
Close, with eight Oscar nominations—the most for performers without a win—will receive an Academy Honorary Award.
Scott, with four Best Director nominations, and Norman, a Black animator hired in 1956, will receive an Academy Honorary Award.
Producers Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler of Killer Films will receive the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award.

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