The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voted to present Honorary Governor Award to stunt performer Hal Needham. The award will be presented at the Academy’s 4th Annual Governors Awards dinner on Saturday, December 1, at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center. Hal Needham is a legendary stunt performer and coordinator who has worked on more than 300 feature films including ‘The Spirit of St. Louis,’ ‘How the West Was Won,’ ‘Blazing Saddles,’ ‘Little Big Man’ and ‘Chinatown.’ A pioneer in improving stunt technology and safety procedures, Needham also co-founded Stunts Unlimited, and is known for mentoring young stunt performers. In 1986, the Academy presented Needham with a Scientific and Engineering Award for the design and development of the Shotmaker Elite camera car and crane, which allows filmmakers greater versatility in shooting action sequences. Needham made his directorial debut with ‘Smokey and the Bandit.’ He went on to direct such features as ‘Hooper’ and the ‘Cannonball Run’ films.(oscars.org. Needham owned the #33 Skoal Bandit that Harry Gant drove from 1981-1988 winning 9 races. Other drivers included Stan Barrett, Morgan Shepherd and Rick Mast.(9-7-2012)
