Although the Governors Awards are not televised, they remain one of the most celebratory and meaningful nights of awards season.
Tuesday night's ceremony, where Mel Brooks, Angela Bassett, editor Carol Littleton and Sundance Lab founder Michelle Satter were awarded honorary Oscars, was no exception, bringing laughs, stirring speeches, surprising musical performances and tears to Hollywood's Dolby Ballroom .
There were A-list celebrity hobbies aplenty – Emily Blunt helped Cillian Murphy find his lost phone; Margot Robbie and Bradley Cooper have an enthusiastic, long conversation (could there be a collaboration in the future?); and Natalie Portman pursuing America Ferrera to hug her.
But the real highlights of the evening were the heartfelt, hilarious and moving moments on stage. So much so that it's a real shame that the evening is summarized in a short clip package during the Oscar broadcast and doesn't get its own broadcast à la the AFI Life Achievement ceremony on TCM.
John Mulaney is a good host
John Mulaney at the Academy's 14th Governors Awards.
Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty
After Jo Koy's disastrous performance at the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday night, the argument for going hostless at an awards show was once again evident. But John Mulaney – who was surprise unveiled at the start of the ceremony – reset the tone for the season with a killer set that was a masterclass in making fun of the year's films and the absurdity of the industry, without while reaching down -hanging fruit.
He joked about Maestro with a quip about how the film's original title was “Bye, Felicia!” and mocked Cooper's six-year commitment to learning precise conducting. Later, as Leonard Bernstein, he poked fun at Cooper's much-discussed prosthetic nose and joked that the same guy who did Cooper's makeup had done Mel Brooks' entire face, body and personality for the past 97 years.
Mulaney called attention to the Globes without naming them, saying, “I'm sure you're looking at me and thinking, 'Oh great, here's another damn stand-up comedian talking about us and ours.' sacred rituals are funny.'” This led to a hilarious segment in which he shared an email from his agents about an audition for the role of “Young Cop” in an upcoming untitled Maggie Gyllenhaal project, which he accepted not decided.
The opening was tight, succinct and genuinely funny, brimming with Mulaney's sardonic wit and genuine love for film. Can he just host everything from now on?
Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane pay musical tribute to Mel Brooks
Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick at the Academy's 14th Governors Awards.
ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty
At 97, Mel Brooks has a list of former employees and a CVS receipt. But the Academy turned to two stars who helped Brooks succeed on Broadway to pay homage to the comedic master.
Lane and Broderick, who starred on Broadway as Bialystock and Bloom, gave a heartfelt speech about Brooks and the impact of his films before breaking into a musical medley. The two sang new lyrics to some of the biggest hits from Brooks' oeuvre, including the Blazing Saddles title track and High Anxiety theme song “I'm Tired,” as well as The Producers' “I Wanna Be a Producer,” “We Can Do It” and “Spring for Hitler”.
“We're going to spoil Mel because we like singing his songs,” they sang. And we love hearing two of Broadway's biggest stars duet in inimitable style – because when you've got it, flaunt it.
Mel Brooks gets the laughs
Mel Brooks at the Academy's 14th Governors Awards.
ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty
Brooks, still sprightly and sharp, accepted his honorary Oscar in person. “This means a lot to me,” the nonagenarian began, emotion shaking in his voice, before talking about his Oscar for best original screenplay for “The Producers” and joking that he sold the statuette.
He took the time to blow his nose in the middle of his speech and mock the absurdity of it before speaking about the deep meaning of recognition from his peers. “I won’t sell this, I swear to God,” he concluded. It was smart, heartfelt, a little raunchy and funny – in other words, pure Mel Brooks.
Glenn Close celebrates Carol Littleton
Glenn Close at the Academy's 14th Governors Awards.
ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty
Those outside the industry have probably never heard the name Carol Littleton, but they should know. Littleton is a groundbreaking editor responsible for editing classics such as The Big Chill and ET: The Extra-Terrestrial.
Close paid tribute to Littleton and described the way in which great performances and films are created in the editing room. “A great editor is a lawyer, a detective, a humanist, a philosopher and, in some cases, a sensitive and articulate teacher,” Close said.
“The Big Chill” was Close's second film, and she noted that Littleton and her husband, cinematographer John Bailey, were like parents to the ensemble cast. “For me, The Big Chill was the beginning of my true education in film acting,” she said. “In hindsight, it was really the wordless, emotional moments that gave Sarah Cooper her emotional significance with audiences – crying in the shower, joining the group after crying in the shower, smiling at Mary Kay after having sex had.” with my husband. If you haven't seen the film yet, go watch it. And dancing in the kitchen. I really thank you, Carol, for putting my butt in that shot because it made me look like a really good dancer.”
Angela Bassett testifies
Angela Bassett.
ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty
Among today's acting greats, Angela Bassett is at the top of the list of those who should have won an Oscar long ago. But like many greats before her, Bassett will have to savor the joy of this honorary Oscar as she continues her pursuit of a competitive award – and her acceptance speech showed that this is a moment she's keen to savor.
After a nice introduction by Regina King in which she urged Bassett to run for president, Bassett took the audience to church with her remarks. She reflected on the history of the Oscars and Black women, noting that she was only the second Black actress to receive an honorary Oscar, following Cicely Tyson, who was honored in 2018.
Bassett also called out Hattie McDaniel, who became the first Black woman ever to win an Oscar and recently made headlines because the Academy returned her lost Best Supporting Actress plaque to Howard University. Bassett celebrated McDaniel's historic victory and the hurdles it broke down before naming the 10 Black actresses who have won Oscars in the organization's history as “beacons of hope.”
“This honor is not just for me or me alone,” she said. “I hope this moment means we are taking the necessary steps toward a future where seeing and embracing each other’s full humanity, stories and perspectives is the norm, not the exception. That must be our goal and that is what we must do.” Always remember that there is room for all of us. When we stand together, we win together.”
“To my fellow Black actresses: fill your hearts with courage and strength because no matter what you see, think or feel, your contributions matter,” she continued. “Take comfort in the knowledge that your performances have given hope, a different perspective and simply pure joy to others in a time of need. Never allow fear, frustration or disappointment to stand in the way of the blessings that are divinely and deservedly yours.” Remember who you are and who our ancestors were meant to be. I proudly share this honor with women who stand up when they are told to stand down, who speak up when they are silenced, who stand firm when they are told they are defeated. These women represent those I have had the privilege of portraying, as well as the everyday women who surround us and inspire us to strive further.”
“I'm confident that one day the recognition and celebration will be based solely on the performance and the performer, because at the end of the day, we all just want the opportunity to do great, meaningful work,” she concluded. “And yet I say: the best is yet to come.”
The unsung hero Michelle Satter gets her flowers
Ryan Coogler and Chloe Zhao at the Academy's 14th Governors Awards.
ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty
Michelle Satter is largely responsible for the careers of some of Hollywood's biggest up-and-coming directors, including Ryan Coogler, Chloe Zhao, Sian Heder and the duo Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. Satter founded the Sundance Film Festival's Sundance Institute Directors and Screenwriters Lab and serves as the founding director of the Sundance Institute Artists Program. The Academy honored her with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her role in providing resources for emerging independent filmmakers.
Both Coogler and Zhao paid tribute to Satter, with Coogler detailing the impact Satter had on his life and career. But the moment was also marked by heartbreak as Coogler and Zhao honored Satter's late son Michael Latt, who was murdered by a burglar in November 2023.
“Knowing him meant knowing Michelle,” Coogler said, and Zhao added, “Michelle, you are a mother to me. And you are a mother to Ryan. And you are a mother to so many people sitting here.” Room. You are a mother to all the artists you have encouraged and supported. We are so grateful to you. Without you we wouldn't be here. We know you're hurting. We are so sorry. And We know there is nothing we can say to ease the pain, but we want to tell you and hope we can tell you: We are all your children. We love her.”
Get more from EW's The Awardist, featuring exclusive interviews, analysis, and our podcast breaking down highlights from the best TV networks of the year.
Related content: