George Lucas has been an incredible force in cinema. Despite hardships and backlash from producers and other directors, Lucas was able to create one of the most expansive and beloved franchises, Star Wars. Despite his incredible work, George Lucas has not been given the proper credit from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

With the creation of Star Wars, Lucas brought about Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), a special effects company. ILM, itself, has been a revolutionary force in cinema, and brought about great innovations in practical effects and CGI. It continues to innovate and has had a hand in over 300 projects since its inception. From ILM came other great companies like Pixar, which continues to create incredible computer generated 3D movies.

George Lucas' success as a writer/ director/ producer has branched over five decades, and has brought about great works of art. I can think of no other person who has influenced cinema in the way that George Lucas has, and no other person is more deserving of the Oscar's Lifetime Achievement Award.