Established in 1950, the honorary Oscar is selected by the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to honor outstanding lifetime contributions, profound influence on the art and science of cinema, or significant contributions to the Academy itself.
This award often serves to posthumously honor influential individuals who have never been recognized on the main stage.
Over the decades, this award has been given to many legends such as Samuel L. Jackson (2021), Lina Wertmüller (2019), and martial arts superstar Jackie Chan (2016).
The Academy also has other forms of recognition. The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (also an Oscar statue) is given to individuals in the film industry who have made outstanding humanitarian contributions. In addition, there is the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, for producers with a stable and high-quality career, which is also presented in the form of an Oscar statue.
From veteran actors to visionary directors and masters behind the camera, Variety magazine has suggested several names worthy of consideration for the honorary Oscar.