Posted by Larry Gleeson
Turner Classic Movies pays tribute , Robert Osborne, the late and long time host, with the Robert Osborne Award, presented annually at the TCM Classic Film Festival. The award is bestowed upon an individual whose work has helped preserve the cultural heritage of classic film for future generations. In 2025, TCM honors writer, director, producer and author George Stevens, Jr. in recognition of a career that has celebrated and championed American film. Past recipients have included: Martin Scorsese, Kevin Brownlow, Leonard Maltin, Donald Bogle, and Jeanine Basinger.
Donald Bogle on the red carpet at the 2023 TCM Classic Film Festival (Photo cr. Larry Gleeson)On January 4, 2025, President Joe Biden awarded Stevens the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation’s highest civilian honor. The White House recognized Stevens for his “dedication to preserving and celebrating American film and the performing arts…and his creativity and vision that have helped redeem the soul of a nation founded on the power of free expression.”
Stevens forged his own unique path in film, public service, and the arts during the Kennedy Administration as the director of the Motion Picture Service at the United States Information Agency (USIA). His productions established what has been called the “golden era” of USIA filmmaking.
Stevens recounts his creative life in MY PLACE IN THE SUN: Life in the Golden Age of Hollywood and Washington, an intimate account of his show business family spanning five generations, and his own career in Hollywood and Washington. Historian Michael Beschloss praised Stevens “…for not only writing a great book but for being a great artist, a great statesman, and a great friend of democracy in a time that needs it.” Steven Spielberg observed: “George Stevens, Jr. created his own place in the sun and has stood the test of time through his contribution to the culture of the motion picture and all forms of the creative arts.” Stevens’ memoir, recently released in paperback, is also available on Audible and Amazon as recorded by the author.
George Stevens, Jr. receives honorary OscarStevens has earned 15 Emmys; two Peabody Awards for Meritorious Service to Broadcasting; the Humanitas Prize; 8 awards from the Writers Guild of America; National Board of Review’s William K. Everson Award for contributions to film history; the Paul Selvin Award for writing that embodies civil rights and liberties; the 2009 Spirit of Anne Frank Award for work upholding Frank’s ideals of hope, justice, and equality; and the Legion d’honneur presented by the Government of the Republic of France. In 1997 Stevens received an Honorary Life Achievement Award from The American Film Institute and in 2012 the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented him with an Honorary Oscar for “extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement.”
Stevens’ appointment in 1967 as the Founding Director of the American Film Institute (AFI) placed him at the forefront of culture, politics, and film preservation. During his tenure, more than 45,000 irreplaceable American films were rescued to be enjoyed by future generations. In 1969 he established the AFI Conservatory which gained a reputation as the finest learning opportunity for aspiring filmmakers.
George Stevens, Jr. is a writer, director, producer, playwright, author, and champion of American film. He has achieved an extraordinary creative legacy spanning more than 60 years, encompassing enduring cinematic and artistic productions that have enlightened audiences worldwide, and enriched the nation’s cultural heritage.
You don’t want to miss this event!
*For more information on attending the Robert Osborne Award Program click here
