Whitaker: “I’m grateful to have received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the #JoyAwards2026 last night. This honor belongs to the incredible people I’ve worked with along the way.

“Storytelling connects lives, cultures, and experiences, and reminds us of our shared humanity.”

Whitaker’s accolades include an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a British Academy Film Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Best Actor Award at the 41st Cannes.