Glenn Close to Receive Honorary Oscar on Sunday

Glenn Close is set to receive an honorary Oscar on Sunday at the Governors Awards, a distinction that has left her feeling overwhelmed.

The 79-year-old actor shared her initial reaction to receiving the honor in a recent interview with The Associated Press: "My first reaction was I don't need a consolation prize." She then humorously considered the possibility of ending her long-standing loss record.

Close's career is marked by eight acting nominations without a win, a distinction she has carried with pride and wit. Her situation mirrors that of Peter O'Toole, who also received eight nominations without taking home an award.

The honorary Oscar is distinct from a competitive one in several ways. Unlike the latter, it recognizes a body of work rather than a specific film. The selection process also differs, as the Academy's Board of Governors chooses recipients, not the entire membership.

The Governors Awards ceremony has become a separate event since 2009, where honorees are recognized for their contributions to the motion picture industry. This year, Close will be among those celebrated at the Los Angeles ceremony on Sunday.

The Governors Awards ceremony offers a unique opportunity for honorees to reflect on their careers and share personal anecdotes in a relaxed atmosphere.

I'm still processing it and it means a lot, you know, at this point in my life, Close said, visibly moved by the recognition. With over 50 years of working as an actor, she has seen significant changes in the industry and its awards.

Close's first Oscar nomination was for her role in George Roy Hill's "The World According to Garp", which marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career. Her subsequent nominations were also notable, including one for her performance as Sarah Cooper in "The Big Chill".

"I never even thought about the possibility of being nominated for an Oscar," Close said, recalling her initial reaction to receiving the news while filming "The Big Chill. The experience was a defining moment in her career, and she still remembers the shock and surprise.

Close's memories of her first ceremony at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in 1983 are vivid, particularly when it comes to what she wore: The most beautiful little velvet dress designed by her friend Ann Roth.

The memories of past Oscar ceremonies are still vivid for Glenn Close. She recalls sitting behind Madonna at one point, marveling at her stunning white fur coat, which she described as fabulous. The image has stuck with her over the years. The glamour and excitement of those events have always left a lasting impression.

One particular incident stands out from her own experiences presenting an award. It happened when she walked onto the stage alongside Michael Douglas during one of her nominations for Fatal Attraction. The audience erupted into laughter, and Close initially wondered why they were finding it so amusing.

It wasn't until later that she realized the reason behind their reaction. Her character in the film had been pregnant and was trying to convince her partner to accept responsibility, but he denied any involvement. Fast forward to the real-life ceremony when Close herself walked out, visibly eight months pregnant, alongside Michael Douglas. The irony of the situation became clear: it was indeed quite funny.

Close has shared this anecdote, recalling how she initially thought the audience's laughter was directed at something else entirely. She remembered thinking, Why are they laughing? before realizing that her real-life pregnancy had inadvertently added a layer of humor to the scene.

Michael Douglas recently made headlines for publicly acknowledging that Close deserved to win an Oscar during one of those nominations. When asked about his comments, Close displayed a mix of emotions, acknowledging that she was surprised by his public endorsement. Her response was characteristically understated: Publicly, yeah.

Glenn Close's Oscar win is a testament to her enduring talent and dedication to her craft. She has never sought recognition for her performances, instead focusing on the privilege of being part of the film industry.

Close attributes her humility to her upbringing as an outsider. This mindset allows her to appreciate the simple fact of being nominated alongside other exceptional artists. The competitive aspect of awards ceremonies holds little significance for her, especially in today's polarized climate.

Her recent roles demonstrate her continued ability to take on diverse and challenging projects. Close has been fortunate enough to maintain a robust career, with appearances in films like La Bola Negra and the latest Hunger Games installment. This flexibility allows her to balance work and personal life.

Close's desire to share her Oscar statuette with the community in Bozeman, Montana, stems from her appreciation for the town's warmth and support. She envisions displaying it at a local bakery, where people can gather and admire the award.

Glenn Close's excitement is palpable as she prepares to attend the Governors Awards on Sunday, accompanied by her family in a custom Armani gown that she can't wait to wear.

The honorary Oscar is a welcome recognition of her impressive contributions to cinema, even if it doesn't change her competitive record. Close has spoken about how emotional this moment is for her, saying I don't know how I'm going to get through it because it's very emotional for me." Her speech, however, is being carefully crafted with a sense of gratitude.