It\'s Only September, but Motion Picture Academy Is Naming Some Awards Winners

September 6, 2012, 8:24 am

By MICHAEL CIEPLY

TORONTO - As much of Hollywood moved to Toronto for its annual film festival, which begins on Thursday, some of the rest convened on Wednesday night to select four film veterans - Jeffrey Katzenberg, George Stevens Jr., D.A. Pennebaker and Hal Needham-as recipients of the next Governors Awards from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Mr. Katzenberg will receive the academy's Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for his philanthropic work, which includes contributions and fundraising for the Motion Picture and Television Fund, the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts and a number of other causes. Oscars for lifetime achievement will go to Mr. Stevens, who is noted for his film advocacy, particularly through the American Film Institute; Mr. Pennebaker, a director whose documentaries include “Don't Look Back” and “The War Room”; and Mr. Needham, a stunt performer and coordinator whose films include “Chinatown” and “Blazing Saddles.”

As also happened last year, the Academy did not choose any recipient for its Thalberg Award, which periodically honors a film producer for outstanding lifetime achievement. The Governors Awards will be presented at a dinner ceremony on Dec. 1, rather than at the televised Oscar show on Feb. 24.