Tyler Perry Wins The Humanitarian Award At 2021 Oscars

Tyler Perry's humanitarian efforts throughout the pandemic were recognized on Sunday (April 25) at the Academy Awards. Perry was given the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which is periodically awarded at the Oscars to highlight an individual's "outstanding contributions to humanitarian causes."

Back in 2019, Perry opened a new studio lot in Atlanta, Georgia for his various TV and film productions. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Perry spearheaded efforts to get the entertainment industry safely up and running again. Ahead of the Oscars broadcast, Perry recalled turning his studio into "Camp Quarantine" during the pandemic. "It was early in the process of production resuming, and we were without an official blueprint," he shared. "So with the help of a village of studio staff, medical doctors, epidemiologists, lawyers, union reps, talent and their reps, crew members, insurers, and a lot of other great thinkers, we came up with a comprehensive plan."

"The measures included flying in cast privately, having them test before the flight and upon arrival, testing and quarantining cast and crew upon arrival, and then testing regularly while on set," he continued. "We also created enough housing on the lot, had a food safety team, a housekeeping staff, and extensive personal protective equipment for everyone in the quarantine bubble."

In addition to his work amid the pandemic, the direcotr was also recognized for his other humanitarian efforts, including advocating for the homeless, supporting charitable organizations and disaster relief. Perry gave a passionate speech about love and acceptance while accepting the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. "I refuse to hate someone because they are Mexican or because they are Black or white or LBGTQ. I refuse to hate someone because they are a police officer. I refuse to hate someone because they are Asian," he said.

"No matter what's around the wall, stand in the middle because that's where the healing happens," he continued. "That's where the conversation happens, that's where change happens."

Photo: Getty