Cecil B. DeMille Award Winners: Every Star Who's Ever Earned the Golden Globes' Big Honor
- - Cecil B. DeMille Award Winners: Every Star Who's Ever Earned the Golden Globes' Big Honor
Kate Hogan, Stephanie SengweJanuary 11, 2026 at 4:00 AM
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Meryl Streep, Viola Davis and George Clooney -
The Golden Globes established an award in 1952 to honor recipients for "outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment"
The award was named after prolific director Cecil B. DeMille, who was the first to receive the honor
This year, Helen Mirren joins the ranks of the notable recipients to take home the Cecil B. DeMille Award
Mr. DeMille, they're ready for their close-ups.
For more than seven decades, the Golden Globes have recognized some of the biggest names in film and television for their "outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment" with the Cecil B. DeMille Award.
The honor was named after the prolific Hollywood director behind projects like Cleopatra (1934), The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) and The Ten Commandments (1956, a remake of his own 1923 version), and he was the honor's first recipient in 1952.
Over the years, the award has gone to the likes of Walt Disney, Judy Garland, Sidney Poitier, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Oprah Winfrey — just to name a few.
Since its inception, the Cecil B. DeMille Award was only skipped in four years — 1976, 2008, 2022 and 2024 — due to strikes, scandals and time constraints.
Continue reading to see every person who has received the Cecil B. DeMille Award, including this year's honoree: Helen Mirren.
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Helen Mirren, 2026
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Helen Mirren at Golden Eve: The Golden Globes Honor Helen Mirren & Sarah Jessica Parker in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Jan. 6, 2026
Mirren won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2026 during the Golden Eve primetime special. In her moving speech, she called the honor proof of "a life lived, a life survived, a life enjoyed, a life sweated and a life carried on, hopefully."
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Viola Davis, 2025
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Viola Davis
Viola Davis took the Cecil B. DeMille Award home in 2025 after making a touching speech at the Golden Gala. The award was skipped in 2024 due to time constraints following the addition of more categories to the show.
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Eddie Murphy, 2023
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Comedian Eddie Murphy received the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2023, after the Golden Globes took a break from television in 2022 amid controversy surrounding a lack of diversity within the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and sexual assault allegations against former president Philip Berk.
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Jane Fonda, 2021
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Esteemed actress Jane Fonda took home the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 2021 ceremony. "It was so unexpected," she said of finding out she'd receive the award. "And it's such a great honor. And it made me so happy that I burst into tears."
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Tom Hanks, 2020
Tom Hanks won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2020 and gave a heartfelt speech thanking his family, his past directors and even DeMille himself.
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Jeff Bridges, 2019
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When Jeff Bridges won the Cecil B DeMille Award in 2019, his wife, brother and sister were in the audience to cheer him on as he thanked past costars, his team and even his stand-in.
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Oprah Winfrey, 2018
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Winfrey, a media icon, won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2018, becoming the first Black woman to receive the honor. Her passionate speech began with recollections of watching Sidney Poitier break barriers at awards shows, commentary on the Time's Up movement and the promise that "a new day is on the horizon."
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Meryl Streep, 2017
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Acclaimed actress Meryl Streep won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2017 and used her time at the mic to take aim at then-President Donald Trump in a fiery speech.
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Denzel Washington, 2016
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Denzel Washington, best known for Glory (1989) and Training Day (2001), won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2016, bringing his family on stage with him for his speech.
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George Clooney, 2015
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When George Clooney won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2015, he called out new wife Amal, sweetly saying, "I couldn't be prouder to be your husband."
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Woody Allen, 2014
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Woody Allen, the filmmaker behind Annie Hall (1977), won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2014. Diane Keaton, his frequent collaborator, accepted it on Allen's behalf as he didn't attend the ceremony.
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Jodie Foster, 2013
jimmy kimmel live/ youtube Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster, those best-known films include The Accused (1988) and The Silence of the Lambs (1991), won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2013 and, in her speech, spoke about valuing "privacy above all else" as someone who got her start as a child actor.
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Morgan Freeman, 2012
Morgan Freeman arrives to the premiere of the film "Going In Style" March 30, 2017 in New York. / AFP PHOTO / Bryan R. Smith (Photo credit should read BRYAN R. SMITH/AFP/Getty Images)
Actor Morgan Freeman, whose films include Driving Miss Daisy (1989), The Shawshank Redemption (1994) and Million Dollar Baby (2004), won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2012.
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Robert De Niro, 2011
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Actor Robert De Niro, best known for The Godfather Part II (1974) and Raging Bull (1980) as well as co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival, won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2011.
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Martin Scorsese, 2010
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Scorsese, one of Hollywood's most celebrated filmmakers and as well as a producer and screenwriter, won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2010.
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Steven Spielberg, 2009
Steven Spielberg BEVERLY HILLS, CA - FEBRUARY 05: Director Steven Spielberg attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards Nominee Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 5, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Spielberg, a prolific director, producer and co-founder of DreamWorks Pictures, won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2009.
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Warren Beatty, 2007
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The Golden Globe Awards didn't happen in 2008 due to the Writer's Guild of America strike. But one year prior, actor and filmmaker Warren Beatty won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2007.
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Anthony Hopkins, 2006
Greg Doherty/Getty Anthony Hopkins
Anthony Hopkins, whose films range from The Silence of the Lambs (1991) to The Father (2020), won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2006 but has still famously never won a Golden Globe.
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Robin Williams, 2005
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Beloved comedian Robin Williams won the Cecil B. DeMille Awards in 2005
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Michael Douglas, 2004
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Michael Douglas, who starred in Wall Street (1987), won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2004.
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Gene Hackman, 2003
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Gene Hackman, best known for starring in The French Connection (1971) and Unforgiven (1992), won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2003.
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Harrison Ford, 2002
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When Harrison Ford won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2002, the Star Wars and Indiana Jones actor attempted to get away with a short speech, jokingly saying simply "thank you" before launching into a few more words of gratitude.
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Al Pacino, 2001
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Al Pacino, who starred in the Godfather film trilogy, won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2002.
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Barbra Streisand, 2000
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Barbra Streisand, who became the first woman to write, produce, direct and star in a major studio film with the release of Yentl (1983), won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2000.
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Jack Nicholson, 1999
Actor and director Jack Nicholson, who starred in films like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) and The Shining (1980) won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1999.
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Shirley McLaine, 1998
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Shirley MacLaine, an actress best known for her role in Terms of Endearment (1983), won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1998.
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Dustin Hoffman, 1997
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Actor and filmmaker Dustin Hoffman, who starred in The Graduate (1967), Tootsie (1982) and Rain Man (1988), won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1997.
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Sean Connery, 1996
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Sean Connery, a lauded actor who was the first to portray James Bond on the big screen, won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1996.
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Sophia Loren, 1995
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Sophia Loren, an actress who made waves with films like Two Women (1960) and Marriage Italian Style (1964) won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1995.
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Robert Redford, 1994
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Actor and filmmaker Robert Redford, who produced and directed the film Quiz Show (1994), won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1994.
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Lauren Bacall, 1993
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Actress Lauren Bacall, who starred in the film Murder on the Orient Express (1974), won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1993.
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Robert Mitchum, 1992
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Actor Robert Mitchum, who starred in Story of G.I. Joe (1945), won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1992.
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Jack Lemmon, 1991
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Actor Jack Lemmon, who starred in films like Some Like It Hot (1959) and The Apartment (1960), won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1991.
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Audrey Hepburn, 1990
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Actress and fashion icon Audrey Hepburn won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1990, just a few years before her death in 1993.
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Doris Day, 1989
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Actress and singer Doris Day won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1989.
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Clint Eastwood, 1988
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Clint Eastwood, one of Hollywood's most celebrated actors and filmmakers, won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1988.
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Anthony Quinn, 1987
Actor Anthony Quinn, who starred in Viva Zapata! (1952) and Lust for Life (1956), won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1987.
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Barbara Stanwyck, 1986
Actress and dancer Barbara Stanwyck won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1986.
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Elizabeth Taylor, 1985
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Elizabeth Taylor, one of the most popular stars of classic Hollywood cinema, won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1985.
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Paul Newman, 1984
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Cool Hand Luke actor Paul Newman won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1984.
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Laurence Olivier, 1983
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Laurence Olivier (center), who famously directed and starred in a trio of film adaptations of Shakespeare's works, won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1983.
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Sidney Poitier, 1982
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Poitier, a lauded actor and director, won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1982, becoming the first person of color to receive the honor.
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Gene Kelly, 1981
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Singin' in the Rain actor Gene Kelly, who was also a renowned dancer and all-around performer, won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1981.
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Henry Fonda, 1980
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Actor Henry Fonda won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1980, a full 41 years before his daughter, Jane, received the honor.
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Lucille Ball, 1979
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Comedian and actress Lucille Ball of I Love Lucy fame won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1979.
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Red Skelton, 1978
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Actor and entertainer Red Skelton, who is also known for his work in radio and television hosting, won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1978.
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Walter Mirisch, 1977
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Walter Mirisch (left), who produced the film In the Heat of the Night (1967), won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1977.
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Hal B. Wallis, 1975
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The award wasn't given out in 1976, but producer Hal B. Wallis won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1975.
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Bette Davis, 1974
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Actress Bette Davis, best known for starring in All About Eve (1950), won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1974.
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Samuel Goldwyn, 1973
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Producer Samuel Goldwyn won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1973.
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Alfred Hitchcock, 1972
Legendary director Alfred Hitchcock won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1972.
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Frank Sinatra, 1971
Actor and singer Frank Sinatra, known by his nickname "Ol' Blue Eyes," won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1971.
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Joan Crawford, 1970
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Mildred Pierce actress Joan Crawford won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1970.
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Gregory Peck, 1969
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Actor Gregory Peck (left, with Barbra Streisand) won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1969.
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Kirk Douglas, 1968
Getty Images Kirk Douglas on the set of The Strange Love
Spartacus actor Kirk Douglas won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1968, 36 years before his son, Michael, took home the honor.
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Charlton Heston, 1967
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Actor Charlton Heston, who starred in The Ten Commandments (1956) and Ben-Hur (1959) to name a few of his most iconic films, won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1967.
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John Wayne, 1966
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Actor John Wayne, best known for his performances in Western and war films, won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1966.
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James Stewart, 1965
Actor James "Jimmy" Stewart, perhaps best known for starring in It's a Wonderful Life (1946), won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1965.
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Joseph E. Levine, 1964
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Producer Joseph E. Levine, who famously financed the film The Graduate (1967), won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1964.
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Bob Hope, 1963
Comedian, actor and entertainer Bob Hope won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1963.
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Judy Garland, 1962
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When Garland won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1962, she became both the youngest person and first woman to do so.
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Fred Astaire, 1961
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Multi-hyphenate talent Fred Astaire, known for both his acting and his dance skills, won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1961.
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Bing Crosby, 1960
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Singer and actor Bing Crosby won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1960.
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Maurice Chevalier, 1959
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Actor and singer Maurice Chevalier won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1959.
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Buddy Adler, 1958
Producer Buddy Adler won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1958.
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Mervyn LeRoy, 1957
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Actor, director and producer Mervyn LeRoy, who famously produced The Wizard of Oz (1939), won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1957.
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Jack L. Warner, 1956
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Producer Jack L. Warner, who co-founded and served as president of Warner Bros. Pictures, won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1956.
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Jean Hersholt, 1955
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Actor Jean Hersholt won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1955. A noted humanitarian, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) named the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award after him and it was first handed out in 1956, the year he died.
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Darryl F. Zanuck, 1954
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Producer Darryl F. Zanuck, who co-founded what is today known as 20th Century Studios, won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1954.
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Walt Disney, 1953
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Disney, the co-founder of The Walt Disney Company and a pioneer in the animated film genre, won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1953.
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Cecil B. DeMille, 1952
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Naturally, DeMille won the Cecil B. DeMille Award himself in 1952, the very first year the honor was given out.
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