Photo by Phillip Faraone/FilmMagic
The legendary Cicely Tyson will make history as the first Black woman to receive an honorary Oscar. The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the two-time Emmy winner as one of the recipients of this year’s honorary Oscars.
And you know what, about DAMN time!
HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 27: Actor Tyler Perry speaks during the Hand and Footprint Ceremony honoring Cicely Tyson during the 2018 TCM Classic Film Festival at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 27, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for TCM)
Tyson has never won an Oscar and received only one nomination in 1972 for her leading role in Sounder. The actress, who began her career as a model, has won two Emmys, a Tony and a Presidential Medal of Freedom for her barrier-breaking career.
Can we just take a moment to shine a light on her credits? She has set the screen ablaze in everything from the gripping story of a former slave in The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman to Annalise Keating’s momma in How To Get Away With Murder, Roots, The Help, A Lesson Before Dying, and the list could go on…and on…and on.
HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER – Cicely Tyson as Ophelia Harkness & Viola Davis as Annalise ‘Anna Mae’ Keating (Photo by Nicole Wilder/ABC via Getty Images)
Without Tyson paving the way, many of our current icons wouldn’t be here. So it was only fitting these women shower her with love and support upon hearing the announcement.
Aaaahhh!!!! THIS gives me LIFE!!! Beyond deserved!!! Love, love you beauty ❤❤❤ @IAmCicelyTysonhttps://t.co/c3VJ51TAhQ
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) September 6, 2018
Just YES. Congrats to a true trailblazer! @IAmCicelyTyson https://t.co/aOZ2MMcWBh
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) September 6, 2018
So happy to see @IAmCicelyTyson included on this list of honorees! Bravo @TheAcademy!?????? https://t.co/7IiFLUW1sR
— Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen) September 6, 2018
Join us in congratulating the trailblazing Cicely Tyson and we can’t wait for her to bless us with that Oscar acceptance speech we know she’s been working on for years!
TELL US: What other notable Black actors or actresses should be up next for an honorary Oscar?
