The Academy announced today that David Lynch will be one of the recipients of the 2019 Governors Awards. In October 2019, the filmmaker will finally take home an Oscar statuette after being nominated for The Elephant Man in 1981 (Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay), Blue Velvet in 1987 (Best Director) and Mulholland Drive in 2002 (Best Director).
The Board of Governors voted last Saturday to present the Honorary Awards to David Lynch, Wes Studi and Lina Wertmüller, and Geena Davis will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award on Sunday, October 27 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center.
These four filmmakers have transformed the film industry. This year, we celebrate them.
David Lynch’s historical drama The Elephant Man had an everlasting effect on the Oscars in 1981 when people in the industry protested the Academy’s failure to recognize Christopher Tucker’s brilliant make-up effects. In response to the public outcry, the Academy the next year introduced an award for Best Makeup. An American Werewolf in London was its first recipient. In this video, John Hurt and Christopher Tucker discuss the elaborate make-up process.
Watch John Hurt become The Elephant Man
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuHwTY2IiiU
From the AMPAS press release:
“These Governors Awards given by the Academy each year recognize individuals who have devoted themselves to a lifetime of artistic accomplishment and brought outstanding contributions to our industry, and beyond,” said Academy President John Bailey. “It is with great pleasure that we announce this year’s recipients.”
Fire walk with 
I am so pleased that David Lynch will finally be recognized for his talent and artistry. An honorary directing Oscar is a great way to acknowledge his contribution to the art form.