Year |
Receipient |
Notes |
Award |
1930/1931 |
— |
No award |
— |
1931/1932 |
Walt DisneyWalt Disney |
"for the creation of Mickey Mouse." |
Statuette |
1932/1933 |
— |
No award |
— |
1934 |
Shirley TempleShirley Temple |
"in grateful recognition of her outstanding contribution to screen entertainment during the year 1934." |
Miniature statuette |
1935 |
D. W. GriffithD. W. Griffith |
"for his distinguished creative achievements as director and producer and his invaluable initiative and lasting contributions to the progress of the motion picture arts." |
Statuette |
1936 |
The March of TimeMarch of Time |
"for its significance to motion pictures and for having revolutionized one of the most important branches of the industry – the newsreel." |
— |
1936 |
W. Howard GreeneW. Howard Greene and Harold Rosson |
"for the color cinematography of the Selznick International Production, The Garden of Allah." |
Plaque |
1937 |
Edgar BergenEdgar Bergen |
"for his outstanding comedy creation, 'Charlie McCarthy'." |
Wooden statuette, with movable mouth |
1937 |
W. Howard GreeneW. Howard Greene |
"for the color photography of A Star Is Born." |
Plaque |
1937 |
Museum of Modern ArtMuseum of Modern Art Film Library |
"for its significant work in collecting films dating from 1895 to the present and for the first time making available to the public the means of studying the historical and aesthetic development of the motion picture as one of the major arts." |
Scroll certificate |
1937 |
Mack SennettMack Sennett |
"for his lasting contribution to the comedy technique of the screen, the basic principles of which are as important today as when they were first put into practice, the Academy presents a Special Award to that master of fun, discoverer of stars, sympathetic, kindly, understanding comedy genius – Mack Sennett." |
Statuette |
1938 |
J. Arthur BallJ. Arthur Ball |
"for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of color in Motion Picture Photography." |
Scroll |
1938 |
Walt DisneyWalt Disney |
"for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs [1937], recognized as a significant screen innovation which has charmed millions and pioneered a great new entertainment field for the motion picture cartoon." |
One statuette and seven miniature statuettes on a stepped base |
1938 |
Deanna DurbinDeanna Durbin and Mickey Rooney |
"for their significant contribution in bringing to the screen the spirit and personification of youth, and as juvenile players setting a high standard of ability and achievement." |
Miniature statuette |
1938 |
Gordon JenningsGordon Jennings, Jan Domela, Devereaux Jennings, Irmin Roberts, Art Smith, Farciot Edouart, Loyal Griggs, Loren L. Ryder, Harry D. Mills, Louis Mesenkop, Walter Oberst |
"for outstanding achievement in creating Special Photographic and Sound Effects in the Paramount production, Spawn of the North." |
Plaque |
1938 |
Oliver T. MarshOliver T. Marsh and Allen Davey |
"for the color cinematography of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, Sweethearts." |
Plaque |
1938 |
Harry WarnerHarry Warner |
"in recognition of patriotic service in the production of historical short subjects presenting significant episodes in the early struggle of the American people for liberty." |
Scroll |
1939 |
Douglas FairbanksDouglas Fairbanks |
"recognizing the unique and outstanding contribution of Douglas Fairbanks, first President of the Academy, to the international development of the motion picture." |
Statuette |
1939 |
Judy GarlandJudy Garland |
"for her outstanding performance as a screen juvenile during the past year." |
Miniature statuette |
1939 |
William Cameron MenziesWilliam Cameron Menzies |
"for outstanding achievement in the use of color for the enhancement of dramatic mood in the production of Gone with the Wind." |
Plaque |
1939 |
Motion Picture Relief FundMotion Picture Relief Fund |
acknowledging the outstanding services to the industry during the past year of the Motion Picture Relief Fund and its progressive leadership. Presented to Jean Hersholt, President; Ralph Morgan, Chairman of the Executive Committee; Ralph Block, First Vice-President; and Conrad Nagel. |
Plaque |
1939 |
Technicolor CompanyTechnicolor Company |
"for its contributions in successfully bringing three-color feature production to the screen." |
Statuette |
Year |
Receipient |
Notes |
Award |
1940 |
Bob HopeBob Hope |
"in recognition of his unselfish services to the Motion Picture Industry." |
Silver plaque |
1940 |
Nathan LevinsonNathan Levinson |
"for his outstanding service to the industry and the Army during the past nine years, which has made possible the present efficient mobilization of the motion picture industry facilities for the production of Army Training Films." |
Statuette |
1941 |
Walt DisneyWalt Disney, William Garity, John N. A. Hawkins, and the RCA Manufacturing Company |
"for their outstanding contribution to the advancement of the use of sound in motion pictures through the production of Fantasia. |
Certificate of Merit |
1941 |
Stokowski, LeopoldLeopold Stokowski and his associates |
"for their unique achievement in the creation of a new form of visualized music in Walt Disney's production, Fantasia, thereby widening the scope of the motion picture as entertainment and as an art form. |
Certificate of Merit |
1941 |
Scott, Rey Rey Scott |
"for his extraordinary achievement in producing Kukan, the film record of China's struggle, including its photography with a 16mm camera under the most difficult and dangerous conditions.[8] |
Certificate of Merit |
Year |
Receipient |
Notes |
Award |
1980 |
Henry FondaHenry Fonda |
"the consummate actor, in recognition of his brilliant accomplishments and enduring contribution to the art of motion pictures." |
Statuette |
1981 |
Barbara StanwyckBarbara Stanwyck |
"for superlative creativity and unique contribution to the art of screen acting." |
Statuette |
1982 |
Mickey RooneyMickey Rooney |
"in recognition of his 60 years of versatility in a variety of memorable film performances." |
Statuette |
1983 |
Hal RoachHal Roach |
"in recognition of his unparalleled record of distinguished contributions to the motion picture art form." |
Statuette |
1984 |
James StewartJames Stewart |
"for his fifty years of memorable performances. For his high ideals both on and off the screen. With the respect and affection of his colleagues." |
Statuette |
1984 |
The National Endowment for the ArtsThe National Endowment for the Arts |
"in recognition of its 20th anniversary and its dedicated commitment to fostering artistic and creative activity and excellence in every area of the arts." |
Statuette |
1985 |
Alex NorthAlex North |
"in recognition of his brilliant artistry in the creation of memorable music for a host of distinguished motion pictures." |
Statuette |
1985 |
Paul NewmanPaul Newman |
"in recognition of his many and memorable compelling screen performances and for his personal integrity and dedication to his craft." |
Statuette |
1986 |
Ralph BellamyRalph Bellamy |
"for his unique artistry and his distinguished service to the profession of acting." |
Statuette |
1987 |
— |
No award |
— |
1988 |
Eastman KodakEastman Kodak Company |
"in recognition of the company's fundamental contributions to the art of motion pictures during the first century of film history." |
Statuette |
1988 |
National Film Board of CanadaNational Film Board of Canada |
"in recognition of its 50th anniversary and its dedicated commitment to originate artistic, creative and technological activity and excellence in every area of film making." |
Statuette |
1989 |
Akira KurosawaAkira Kurosawa |
"for cinematic accomplishments that have inspired, delighted, enriched and entertained worldwide audiences and influenced filmmakers throughout the world." |
Statuette |
Year |
Receipient |
Notes |
Award |
1990 |
Sophia LorenSophia Loren |
"one of the genuine treasures of world cinema who, in a career rich with memorable performances, has added permanent luster to our art form." |
Statuette |
1990 |
Myrna LoyMyrna Loy |
"in recognition of her extraordinary qualities both on screen and off, with appreciation for a lifetime's worth of indelible performances." |
Statuette |
1991 |
Satyajit RaySatyajit Ray |
"in recognition of his rare mastery of the art of motion pictures, and of his profound humanitarian outlook, which has had an indelible influence on filmmakers and audiences throughout the world." |
Statuette |
1992 |
Federico FelliniFederico Fellini |
"in recognition of his cinematic accomplishments that have thrilled and entertained worldwide audiences." |
Statuette |
1993 |
Deborah KerrDeborah Kerr |
"in appreciation for a full career's worth of elegant and beautifully crafted performances." |
Statuette |
1994 |
Michelangelo AntonioniMichelangelo Antonioni |
"in recognition of his place as one of the cinema's master visual stylists." |
Statuette |
1995 |
Chuck JonesChuck Jones |
"for the creation of classic cartoons and cartoon characters whose animated lives have brought joy to our real ones for more than a half century." |
Statuette |
1995 |
Kirk DouglasKirk Douglas |
"for 50 years as a creative and moral force in the motion picture community." |
Statuette |
1996 |
Michael KiddMichael Kidd |
"in recognition of his services to the art of the dance in the art of the screen." |
Statuette |
1997 |
Stanley DonenStanley Donen |
"in appreciation of a body of work marked by grace, elegance, wit and visual innovation." |
Statuette |
1998 |
Elia KazanElia Kazan |
"in appreciation of a long, distinguished and unparalleled career during which he has influenced the very nature of filmmaking through his creation of cinematic masterpieces." |
Statuette |
1999 |
Andrzej WajdaAndrzej Wajda |
""in recognition of five decades of extraordinary film direction." |
Statuette |
Year |
Receipient |
Notes |
Award |
2000 |
Jack CardiffJack Cardiff |
"master of light and color." |
Statuette |
2000 |
Ernest LehmanErnest Lehman |
"in appreciation of a body of varied and enduring work." |
Statuette |
2001 |
Sidney PoitierSidney Poitier |
"in recognition of his remarkable accomplishments as an artist and as a human." |
Statuette |
2001 |
Robert RedfordRobert Redford |
"Actor, director, producer, creator of Sundance, inspiration to independent and innovative filmmakers everywhere." |
Statuette |
2002 |
Peter O'ToolePeter O'Toole |
"whose remarkable talents have provided cinema history with some of its most memorable characters." |
Statuette |
2003 |
Blake EdwardsBlake Edwards |
"in recognition of his writing, directing and producing an extraordinary body of work for the screen." |
Statuette |
2004 |
Sidney LumetSidney Lumet |
"in recognition of his brilliant services to screenwriters, performers and the art of the motion picture." |
Statuette |
2005 |
Robert AltmanRobert Altman |
"in recognition of a career that has repeatedly reinvented the art form and inspired filmmakers and audiences alike." |
Statuette |
2006 |
Ennio MorriconeEnnio Morricone |
"in recognition of his magnificent and multifaceted contributions to the art of film music." |
Statuette |
2007 |
Robert F. BoyleRobert F. Boyle |
"in recognition of one of cinema's great careers in art direction." |
Statuette |
2008 |
— |
No award |
— |
2009 |
Lauren BacallLauren Bacall |
"in recognition of her central place in the Golden Age of motion pictures." |
Statuette |
2009 |
Roger CormanRoger Corman |
"for his rich engendering of films and filmmakers." |
Statuette |
2009 |
Gordon WillisGordon Willis |
"for unsurpassed mastery of light, shadow, color and motion." |
Statuette |