Ridley Scott to Accept Honorary Oscar From London

Ridley Scott will not stand on the Hollywood stage to accept his honorary Oscar this Sunday. The director, who was named to receive the award at the Academy's 17th annual Governors Awards, has decided to accept the honor remotely due to recent health issues.

Scott, who will turn 89 on November 30, underwent a minor medical procedure last week. Sources indicate he has been advised against flying while he heals. Consequently, the British director will remain in London, where his pre-taped acceptance speech will be played during the ceremony.

The absence of the director from the red carpet will be the most visible change to the event, but the rest of the program remains intact. Glenn Close and Floyd Norman, an animator, will also receive honorary Oscars. Producers Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler will present the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award.

Scott's entire family is still traveling to Los Angeles. His wife, children, and grandchildren will attend the celebration in person, providing a personal presence for the man who has long defined the look of modern blockbuster cinema.

The filmmaker's career began later than many peers. He was nearly 40 when he directed his first feature, The Duellists, in 1977. Before that, he spent years creating high-end commercials with his brother Tony. That delay has not limited his output. His films have grossed approximately $5 billion worldwide.

Scott's filmography includes landmark titles such as Alien, Blade Runner, and Thelma & Louise. His 2000 film Gladiator won the Academy Award for best picture, though he did not win for directing. He received another nomination for Black Hawk Down in 2001. More recently, he directed Gladiator 2 in 2024.

Despite his extensive body of work, Scott has never won a competitive Oscar for his directing or producing roles. His films have been nominated for 45 Academy Awards and have won nine. He has received career achievement honors from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, including the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award in 1994 and a Fellowship in 2018.