Ridley Scott will receive his first Oscar without attending the ceremony after a minor medical procedure disrupted his travel plans.
The 88-year-old filmmaker had been expected at the Academy’s 17th Governors Awards on Sunday, November 15th, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles.
The Academy’s Board of Governors announced his Honorary Award on June 10th. The distinction recognizes lifetime achievement, contributions to filmmaking or distinguished service to the organization.
Scott turns 89 on November 30th, with the Academy crediting nearly six decades of filmmaking. Announcing his selection, Academy president Lynette Howell Taylor praised the lasting influence of his work on cinema and culture around the world.
Doctors Have Advised Scott Against Flying While He Recovers
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Simon Halls, Scott’s representative, confirmed the situation to PEOPLE on November 9th. He described the treatment as “a really minor procedure” and said the director was doing fine.
The London-based filmmaker underwent the procedure the previous week and has been advised against air travel while healing. Halls did not identify the procedure.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, which first reported his absence, Scott has already recorded an acceptance speech to be played during the event.
His wife, actress and producer Giannina Facio, is expected to attend with his children and grandchildren. The Governors Awards are held separately from the annual ceremony presenting the competitive Oscars.
Scott’s Oscar History Includes Three Directing Nominations and a Best Picture Nod
Scott received directing nominations for Thelma & Louise at the 1992 Oscars, Gladiator in 2001 and Black Hawk Down in 2002. His fourth competitive nomination came in 2016 as a producer of Best Picture contender The Martian.
Gladiator won Best Picture, an award presented to its producers. That year’s directing Oscar went to Steven Soderbergh for Traffic.
Scott’s other defining films include Alien, released in 1979, and Blade Runner, which followed in 1982. His credits also span Kingdom of Heaven, American Gangster, Prometheus, The Last Duel, House of Gucci and Napoleon.
In 2024, he was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire for his contribution to the British film industry.
Glenn Close, Floyd Norman and the Founders of Killer Films Will Also Be Honored
The Academy’s announcement named Glenn Close and Floyd Norman as the other Honorary Award recipients. Close has eight competitive nominations without a win, including recognition for Fatal Attraction, Dangerous Liaisons, The Wife and Hillbilly Elegy.
Norman joined Walt Disney Animation Studios in 1956, becoming its first Black animator. His work includes Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, Mulan and Toy Story 2.
Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler will receive the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award for producing. The pair founded Killer Films in 1995, with the company’s credits including Carol, Boys Don’t Cry, May December and Past Lives.
Scott’s Recent Work Includes The Dog Stars and Blade Runner 2099
Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, opened in August. Adapted from Peter Heller’s novel, it stars Jacob Elordi as a pilot navigating a world devastated by a pandemic.
He is preparing an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, currently in pre-production. In August, the Los Angeles Times interviewed Scott while he drew storyboards for the film.
Scott also executive produces Blade Runner 2099. Amazon confirms that all eight episodes will premiere on Prime Video on November 25th.