‘The Imitation Game’s’ Benedict Cumberbatch & Kiera Knightley attend 2014 6th Annual Governor’s Awards

8 Nov 2014 8:47 PM PT

Image: oscars.org

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Board of Governors annually hold a gala to celebrate and honor the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award and the Honorary Award recipients. Honorees are announced in the summer and then a gala is held each November. This year’s honorees include: Harry Belafonte, Jean-Claude Carriere, Hayao Miyazaki, and Maureen O’Hara. This year the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award will be presented to Harry Belafonte. Tonight was their 6th Annual Governor’s Awards.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Kiera Knightley, stars of The Imitation Game were in attendance at the gala. Pictures of the duo can be found down below.

Maurene O’Hara was the first to be honored. There were a number of pre-taped interviews that played including one by Steven Spielberg where we discover he inserted one of his favorite scenes from the “The Quiet Man” in “E.T” because of his early love O’Hara. Clint Eastwood took the stage and shared his experiences working with one of his first films with O’Hara and said “she is the ultimate Irish lass.”

Liam Neeson introduced the award being presented to Maureen O’Hara, where in part of his presentation he stated “she [O’Hara] became the Queen of Technicolor, leaving us mesmerized, not just by her performances, but by her fiery red hair and gorgeous green eyes.” He talked of how O’Hara is an inspiration as an actor and Irish citizen. While taking the stage, O’Hara sang along with ‘Danny Boy’ which was being played on her way up to the stage.

Clint Eastwood, Maureen O’Hara & Liam Neeson Image: oscar.org

Next up is Hayao Miyazaki.

John Lasseter takes the stage to introduce the next award – an honorary Oscar for his mentor Hayao Miyazaki.

John Lasseter & Hayao Miyazaki Image: oscar.org

A short film was shown covering Miyazaki’s career, in which he received a standing ovation. He then took the stage and gracious accepted his award, saying “My wife tells me that I am a very lucky man.” He added via an interpreter that he felt lucky to have been able to meet Maureen O’Hara at the event.

Jean-Claude Carrière was next to be honored, presented by Philip Kaufman. Jeremy Irons and Juliette Binoche and Natalie Portman praised Jean-Claude Carrière in a pre-taped piece where those in attendance also learned that Carrière had written a book with Daliai Lama, is a officer of the Legion of Honor, France’s highest honor, and also co-founded a school. Kaufman said “It’s about time we gave him an Oscar.” As Carrière took the stage he began by first sending his daughter happy birthday wishes.

Philip Kaufman presenting Oscar to Jean-Claude Carrière Image: oscar.org

Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award

Harry Belafonte was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. The presentation started with a video clip highlighting his career, news interviews and humanitarian works. Susan Sarandon presents to Harry Belafonte who said “he [Belafonte] is the voice of reason and compassion.”

It doesn't get any better than Belafonte and Poitier. Legends and great humanitarians. God bless from

— Claudia Eller ()

Harry Belafonte accepting his award. Image: oscar.org

Harry Belafonte took the stage, with Sidney Poitier joining him, and accepted his awards with these words, “How fortunate for me that the performing arts was the catalyst for me that propelled social change. … To be rewarded by my peers for my work in human rights and civil rights and for peace…it powerfully mutes the enemy’s thunder.”