Oprah Winfrey finally has an Oscar. It was an emotional evening for the veteran talk show host as she accepted the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
Joining her for the big night were longtime partner Stedman Graham, BFF Gayle King, Maria Shriver, John Travolta, Tyler Perry, and Sidney Poitier.
Oprah let the tears flow as she remarked, “I never imagined receiving an Oscar, especially for doing what is part of my calling, part of my being.”
In 1985 Winfrey was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in The Color Purple. She reflected on her past during Saturday night’s acceptance speech, “If you are not a former colored girl born in Mississippi in 1954, it is impossible for you to know what this journey has meant.”
Shriver also spoke about her friend Oprah, “We found each other through our shared struggles, our shared dreams, and our unconditional belief in who the other wanted to be.”
The third annual Governors Awards were held at the Grand Ballroom above the Kodak Theatre.
You can watch the emotional acceptance speech below:
Photo Credit: Video Clip Grab