A Year After Blistering Criticism, Tyler Perry Finally Gets His Oscar—for Humanitarian Work

Writer/director/producer Tyler Perry is accustomed to receiving accolades for his movie and television projects. But in April, at the 93rd Academy Awards, Perry will be honored for a different kind of work: his humanitarian efforts.

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Board of Governors recently announced Perry, 51, will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award during the April 25 Oscars telecast for his “extensive work on humanitarian and social justice causes.”

“Tyler’s cultural influence extends far beyond his work as a filmmaker,” “David Rubin, President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, said in a statement.  “He has quietly and steadily focused on humanitarian and social justice causes from the beginning of his career, caring for people who are most often ignored.”

The Academy specifically cited Perry’s creation and management of Tyler Perry Studios, the 330-acre production facility, which he opened on the site of a former Confederate Army base in 2019.

Perry’s studio was among the first to resume production after the COVID-19 outbreak. The Academy commended Perry for “creating a safe way to return to production during the worldwide health crisis.”

Perry’s Generosity Goes Back Decades

While this year’s Academy recognition is new, Perry’s philanthropic endeavors within the Black community stretches back decades and spans many situations.

For example, Perry made history in 2009 when he donated $1 million to the NAACP for the civil rights organization’s 100th anniversary.

He also has a history of covering expenses for rent, funerals and college tuition for those in need in Atlanta and other communities of color. Last year, Perry covered the funeral expenses for 8-year-old Secoriea Turner, and for Rayshard Brooks, a Black man who was fatally shot by a white Atlanta police officer. Perry also pledged to cover the college education of Brooks’ four children.

He also supports a number of charities that help the homeless, including Feeding America, Covenant House Georgia and New Image Emergency Shelter. In his hometown of New Orleans, Perry built Perry Place, a 20-home community for survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

Last year, Perry received several Hollywood awards, including the Governors Award from the Television Academy, the “People’s Champion” honor at E!’s People’s Choice Awards and Variety’s “Showman of the Year.”

Academy Criticism

The timing of Perry’s Humanitarian award comes at an interesting time—less than a year after he bemoaned the lack of diversity and notable snubs in the 2020 Oscar nominations.

“There is no need in going back and forth, or fighting, or protesting. It is what it is. This is how it is in Hollywood, and it’s how it will always be,” Perry told The Associated Press at the time.

Perry joined the chorus of people questioning why there was only one person color, Cynthia Ervio, who was nominated for “Harriet,” among the 20 acting nominees.

Among the Oscar snubs noted by Perry included Awkwafina for “The Farewell,” Jennifer Lopez for her role in “Hustlers,″ and Beyoncé, for original song ”Spirit” from “The Lion King.”

Despite his immense popularity among African-American audiences, with credits that include “A Fall from Grace,” “Acrimony,” “Madea Goes to Jail,” “Madea’s Family Reunion” and “Diary of a Mad Black Woman,” Perry is yet to receive an Oscar or Globe Globe nomination for writing, producing or directing.

However, Perry has made it clear that he’s “fine” with being “ignored” by Hollywood as he knows his work is important.

And when Perry accepts the Humanitarian Award, he will join the likes of Jerry Lewis, Elizabeth Taylor, Quincy Jones, and his mentor, Oprah Winfrey, as a recipient of the prestigious honor.

Tune-in to the 2021 Academy Awards ceremony live on April 25 on ABC and other outlets worldwide.