Wynn Thomas and Debbie Allen are receiving their due from the Academy.

During Sunday night’s 16th Governors Awards, held each year to celebrate individuals for their exceptional contributions to the film industry and beyond, the two walked away with honorary Oscar statuettes.

Celebrating the legacy of Wynn Thomas

Thomas, an artisan who serves as the first Black production designer to leave an indelible mark in the space, was recognized for his “artistic innovation, visionary eye, and lasting influence,” per Deadline. The award was presented by none other than Octavia Spencer.

Notable filmmakers Spike Lee and Ron Howard also appeared on tape to shower Thomas with praise during the event before he took the stage to share his acceptance speech.

“I tell you this because those two women instilled in me a sense of determination and fearlessness that has never left me, that has helped me navigate the barriers and complexities of show business,” Thomas, expressing gratitude for two special women in his life, his mother and grandmother, said during the speech.

He added, “Those two simple, working class women, my mom and grandmother, these two women who never understood this art thing that I was telling them about, these two women who never understood what set design was, these two women who had no idea who Chekhov or Fellini were, but these two women that were willing to let me go so that I could make the journey that would take me around the world and bring it to you.”

Cynthia Erivo honored Debbie Allen

As Blavity recently reported, Debbie Allen now has a Barbie doll to celebrate her pioneering work in the industry, spanning choreography, acting, directing, entrepreneurship and beyond. Allen received more flowers during the illustrious event.

Erivo took the stage to present Allen with an Honorary Oscar, which celebrates “her career as a trailblazing choreographer and actor,” the Wicked actor said. “Her work across multiple disciplines has captivated and inspired generations.”

“I want to thank the Academy, the Board of Governors, for this glorious golden moment in the sun with Oscar,” Allen said. “Everything that I’ve done and continue to do, I have not done alone. I had masters and mentors that have trained me, encouraged me, criticized me, given me the opportunity, uplifted me and helped me become the person that you’re celebrating tonight.”

She also took the time to acknowledge many of her peers and collaborators, including Alvin Ailey and Steven Spielberg.

Along with Wynn and Allen, Tom Cruise and Dolly Parton received an Honorary Oscar at last night’s 2025 Governors Awards.

Governors Awards

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