Things We Saw Today: Denzel Washington Presents Samuel L. Jackson With Lifetime Achievement Oscar

All eyes are on the Academy Awards this Sunday, but several honorary Oscars were given out this weekend at the Governors Awards. Recipients included iconic screenwriter and comedian Elaine May and Norwegian actress Liv Ullmann, as well as Danny Glover, who was given the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. But the it was Samuel L. Jackson who (as always) stole the show. The award was presented to Jackson by his longtime friend Denzel Washington (who is nominated for best actor for The Tragedy of Macbeth), who delivered an effusive speech about Jackson’s acting career and philanthropy work. Jackson has supported so many charities over the years that Washington seemed out of breath after running through the list. “That’s what he’s been doing. I don’t know what y’all been doing,” joked Washington.

Jackson, who is 73 years old, reflected on his epic film career. With 150 movie credits to his name, Jackson has become a ubiquitous presences in blockbusters, most notably as Nick Fury in the Marvel cinematic universe. Jackson’s films have collectively grossed more than $27 billion dollars, making him one of the highest grossing actors of all time. Jackson thanked his colleagues, his wigmaker, and his wife of 41 years LaTanya Richardson. “When I got this call last year, it was unexpected,” said Jackson, “but I guarantee you, this thing is gonna be cherished.”

(image: Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

• Fans are skeptical of the Oscars new format, which cut 8 awards from the telecast. (via THR)
• James Gunn can’t wait for folks to see the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. (via Nerdist)
• Netflix cancels ‘Archive 81’ after one season. (via Shadow and Act)
• Lin-Manuel Miranda will miss the Oscars after COVID exposure.

• Speaking of COVID, Oscars producers are concerned about keeping the ceremony safe. (via Variety)
• ‘The Lost City’ beats ‘The Batman’ at the box office in a win for romcoms. (via Collider)
• Man-Thing, Man-Thing, Man-Thing! (via Comicbook.com)

Happy Saturday Mary Suevians!

—The Mary Sue has a strict comment policy that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults toward anyone, hate speech, and trolling.—

Have a tip we should know? tips@themarysue.com

Author

Close

Chelsea Steiner

Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.

twitter