Showbiz
Oprah Winfrey presented with honorary Academy Award
Published Sunday, Nov 13 2011, 21:40 GMT | By Paul Millar | 4 comments
Oprah Winfrey has won an honorary Oscar for her humanitarian work.
The 57-year-old philanthropist, best known for her long-running talkshow, was presented with the Academy Award at the Governors Awards in Los Angeles.
Upon receiving the gong, she is quoted by People as saying: "I never imagined receiving an Oscar, especially for doing what is part of my calling, part of my being."
Wiping back the tears, she added: "If you are not a former coloured girl born in Mississippi in 1954, it is impossible for you to know what this journey has meant."
80-year-old Field of Dreams actor James Earl Jones and 89-year-old Godfather make-up artist Dick Smith were also recognised with an Oscar for their careers in show business.
They have been preparing for the ceremony since August, when the honorary Academy Awards were announced.
The 57-year-old philanthropist, best known for her long-running talkshow, was presented with the Academy Award at the Governors Awards in Los Angeles.
Upon receiving the gong, she is quoted by People as saying: "I never imagined receiving an Oscar, especially for doing what is part of my calling, part of my being."
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© Rex Features / Sipa Press
Wiping back the tears, she added: "If you are not a former coloured girl born in Mississippi in 1954, it is impossible for you to know what this journey has meant."
80-year-old Field of Dreams actor James Earl Jones and 89-year-old Godfather make-up artist Dick Smith were also recognised with an Oscar for their careers in show business.
They have been preparing for the ceremony since August, when the honorary Academy Awards were announced.
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