Glenn Close, Ridley Scott, and animator Floyd Norman to receive Honorary Oscars at the 17th Governors Awards

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the recipients of its 17th Governors Awards, set to take place in late 2026. This year’s honorees include Glenn Close, Ridley Scott, and veteran animator Floyd Norman, all of whom will receive Academy Honorary Awards. In addition, producers Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler will be recognized with the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award for their long-standing contribution to independent cinema.

Careers That Defined Generations of Film

Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor said in a statement. “Throughout her extraordinary body of work, Glenn Close’s unparalleled emotional range has brought to life some of the most complex characters in cinema. Floyd Norman is the legendary animator who has broken barriers and inspired generations of artists over his remarkable career. Sir Ridley Scott is a true visionary whose decades-long legacy has left an immeasurable impact on global cinema and culture. Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler play a central role in American independent cinema, championing bold, ambitious and distinctive storytelling.”

Held annually, the Governors Awards are designed to acknowledge careers and bodies of work that have left a lasting impact on the film industry—often spotlighting figures whose influence extends far beyond traditional awards recognition.

Independent Cinema in the Spotlight

The Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award will be presented to Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler, co-founders of Killer Films. For more than 25 years, the duo has been a driving force behind American independent cinema, producing films that consistently prioritize distinctive voices and unconventional narratives. Their recent work on 'Past Lives’ culminated in a Best Picture nomination at the 2024 Academy Awards, reinforcing their continued relevance in an evolving industry.

The 17th Governors Awards will be held on Sunday, November 15, 2026. Beyond individual accolades, the event serves as a reminder that cinema’s evolution is often driven by sustained creative commitment—sometimes long before formal recognition arrives.

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