Let me tell you a story about Cicely Tyson, a woman whose career is nothing short of legendary. This remarkable actress has just been honored with a golden milestone — becoming the first black woman to receive an honorary Oscar from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. At 93, soon to be 94, she’s still making waves in Hollywood.
A Momentous Night in Hollywood
On Sunday, November 18, the legendary music producer Quincy Jones stepped up to the stage to present Cicely with this prestigious award. With heartfelt words, he said, “Her work, grace, dignity, class, humility, and profound professionalism firmly placed her on the pedestal of Hollywood royalty. And tonight, at long last, I couldn’t be more honored to say that Cicely Tyson receives her more than well-deserved Oscar.”
When asked about the award, Vanity Fair quoted Cicely as saying, “I don’t know that I would cherish a better gift. This is the culmination of all those years of haves and have nots.” Her words reflect a lifetime of dedication and resilience in a world that often tried to limit her.
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A Journey Through Time: Cicely Tyson's Career
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Cicely Tyson was born on December 19, 1924, in New York City. Her journey began as a model, discovered by a photographer for Ebony magazine. But acting soon called her name, and by 1951, she was treading the boards. Her career took off as a guest star on various shows and as a regular on East Side/West Side. Her performances in TV miniseries like The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, Roots, King, and The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All earned her widespread acclaim. On the big screen, her role in the 1972 film Sounder was so powerful that it earned her an Academy Award nomination. Decades later, she was part of the critically acclaimed 2011 film The Help. Off-screen, she graced the stage in 15 productions between 1957’s Dark of the Moon and 2015’s The Gin Game.
An Honored Career
Through her long and illustrious career, Cicely has collected numerous accolades, including three Primetime Emmy Awards, four Black Reel Awards, one Screen Actors Guild Award, one Tony Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Now, with the Honorary Academy Award, her legacy is truly cemented.
Here’s the twist
