Honorary Oscar picks named

Fri., Aug. 5, 2011

Los Angeles Times

Oprah Winfrey, James Earl Jones and pioneering makeup artist Dick Smith have been chosen by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for honorary Oscars.

Jones and Smith will receive the Honorary Award, while Winfrey will be presented with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

The awards will be handed out at the Academy’s Governors Awards dinner Nov. 12.

Winfrey’s selection sparked controversy, with some critics saying her philanthropic activities shouldn’t qualify her for a film-related award.

Academy President Tom Sherak defended the move, pointing out Winfrey was nominated for an Oscar for “The Color Purple” and was an executive producer on 2009’s “Precious.”

Super role for Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne will join the cast of the upcoming “Man of Steel” as old-school Daily Planet newspaper editor Perry White.

The Oscar nominee is the first African American to take on the role in any of the many film, television and cartoon versions of Superman’s adventures.

“Man of Steel,” scheduled for a 2013 release, will be directed by Zack Snyder and feature Henry Cavill as Superman, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent and Diane Lane as Martha Kent.

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