Oscars weekend kicks off with honours for Samuel L. Jackson and others

AFP / Stefani Reynolds

Hollywood ushered in the Academy Awards weekend by bestowing honorary Oscars to Samuel L. Jackson and other movie industry veterans on Friday for their decades of film and humanitarian work.

Jackson was among the recipients of the annual Governors Awards from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, the group that will hand out the best picture and other trophies at a live ceremony on Sunday.

Actor Denzel Washington introduced Jackson at Friday's black-tie event by noting he has appeared in 152 films that have grossed more than $27 billion at movie box offices over five decades.

Among them, Jackson portrayed Nick Fury in the "Avengers" superhero movies and was nominated for an Oscar for his role as a hitman in director Quentin Tarantino's 1994 drama "Pulp Fiction."

Jackson thanked his family, business representatives, "and every person who ever bought a ticket to any of my movies as he accepted the award."

"I tried to entertain audiences the way Hollywood entertained me," Jackson said, "Make them forget their lives for a few hours, be thrilled, awed or excited."

"Lethal Weapon" star Danny Glover received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for advocacy for justice and human rights. He currently serves as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF.

Writer-director Elaine May and Norwegian actress Liv Ullmann also were honoured.

Ullmann was a frequent collaborator with Swedish director Ingmar Bergman and appeared in films including "Persona," "The Passion of Anna", and "Cries and Whispers." In addition, Ullmann was nominated for best actress for the 1971 film "The Emigrants" and 1976 movie "Face to Face."

May received Oscar nominations for best-adapted screenplay for 1978's "Heaven Can Wait" and 1999's "Primary Colors." Earlier in her career, she was part of the comedy duo Nichols and May, which debuted in 1958 with Mike Nichols.

More from Entertainment

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Business Breakfast

    6:00am - 10:00am

    The Business Breakfast is the day’s must listen for the UAE’s business leaders, and those who aspire to be.

  • The Agenda

    10:00am - 1:00pm

    Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!