The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced Thursday that its Board of Governors voted to present the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award to actor, filmmaker, writer, producer, and philanthropist Tyler Perry in recognition of his charity efforts.
Along with Tyler Perry, the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF) is also receiving the Humanitarian Award this year.
“There has been such widespread generosity in our industry that limiting the Hersholt Humanitarian Award to one recipient, this year in particular, was impossible. So, we are breaking with tradition and giving two awards to honor that spirit,” said Academy President David Rubin in a statement.
He went on, “Tyler’s cultural influence extends far beyond his work as a filmmaker… He has quietly and steadily focused on humanitarian and social justice causes from the beginning of his career; caring for people who are most often ignored.”
Perry’s 330-acre studio in Atlanta employs hundreds of workers. It was one of the first production houses to get back to work last July; after adopting rigorous COVID-19 safety protocols.
Regarding the MPTF, Rubin said it “has gone above and beyond to help our community. The sheer number of individuals and families, from every corner of our industry’s workforce; aided during the pandemic and over the last 100 years is nothing short of extraordinary.”
The Academy will present the Oscar statuettes at the 93rd Academy Awards telecast, which airs live on ABC on Sunday, April 25.
