Cicely Tyson, 93, Makes History as First Black Woman to Receive an Honorary Oscar

Photo: Walter McBride/WireImage

Cicely Tysonis a legend in her own right, and will be receiving a well-deserved award.

Tyson began her career as a model and a theater actress with her first big screen role in 1968’sThe Heart Is a Lonely Hunter, starring actor Alan Arkin. Four years later, in 1972, the star received anAcademy Awardnomination for her leading performance inSounder.

The star, who has won a Tony, two Emmys, and even a Presidential Medal of Freedom, will make history at the Governors Awards as the first black woman to receive an Oscar in the honorary award category.

Nicole Wilder/ABC via Getty Images

Many famous friends congratulated Tyson on the honor. On-screen daughterViola Davis, star of ABC’sHow to Get Away with Murder, wrote onInstagramand Twitter, “Aaaahhh!!!! THIS gives me LIFE!!! Beyond deserved!!! Love, love you beauty.”

Shonda Rhimesalso made a congratulatory message. “Just YES. Congrats to a true trailblazer! @IAmCicelyTyson,” the showrunnertweeted.

Tyson’s other notable film credits includeThe River Niger,Fried Green Tomatoes,Diary of a Mad Black Woman,The Help,Alex CrossandLast Flag Flying.

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When the Governors Awards take place on Nov. 18, publicist Marvin Levy and six-time nominated composer Lalo Schifrin will also be recognized. In addition, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and her producer partner, husband Frank Marshall will receive the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award.

Kennedy, who has made over 60 films, will be the first female recipient of the award.

Also, on Thursday, the Academy Awards announcedthe “outstanding achievement in popular film” categorywould bepostponeddue to a “wide range of reactions.”

source: people.com