Written by | Ray Cornelius
“This is the culmination of all those years of have and have nots…”
That is what iconic actress CICELY TYSON told the audience during Sunday night’s 2018 Governors Awards. The Tony-Award winning Broadway star, who is turning 94-years-old on December 18, was recognized for her legendary career.
She opened her 11-minute speech by recalling her 1973 Oscar nomination for the role of Rebecca Morgan in the film version of Sounder. She was nominated alongside Diana Ross, Liv Ullman, Maggie Smith and Liza Minelli, who won the award for her role in Cabaret.
Tyson also talked about inviting her friend Arthur Mitchell to escort her to the ceremony. He attended the Oscars with her in 1973 but was unable to do so this time around due to illness. Unfortunately, he died two days after she extended her invitation.
Tyson ended her speech by recognizing Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg and her mother, whom she claims wasn’t proud of her decision to become an actress until she appeared in the 1974 television movie The Story of Miss Jane Pitman.
Tyson is by far one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood and has a body of work that most actresses dream of. She admitted that she sat there and wept when she received the call from her agent that she was being recognized by the Academy.
Oscar nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay did the honors of presenting Tyson with the award. Other notables in attendance to help her celebrate were Winfrey along with Shonda Rhimes, Spike Lee, Tyler Perry, Steve McQueen, Barry Jenkins and Lee Daniels.
Watch the entire speech below: