1971 – Frank Sinatra

 Sinatra

A singing/acting legend, loved and revered by countless fans all over the world.

1972 – Alfred Hitchcock

 Hitchcock

Hailed as the unmatched master of the thriller genre, first during his so-called British period, then in American films.

1973 – Samuel Goldwyn

 Goldwyn

A true Hollywood pioneer also known for his Goldwynisms, such as "Anyone seeing a psychiatrist should have his head examined."

1974 – Bette Davis

 Davis

She began her screen career in 1931 and remained active for nearly 60 years, playing willful, liberated, spitefully independent females.

1975 – Hal B. Wallis

 Wallis

From motion picture theater manager to assistant to head of publicity at Warrner Bros. to becoming one of Hollywood's most successful producers.

1977 – Walter Mirisch

 Mirisch

A Harvard graduate who worked his way up the administrative ladder, formed the Mirisch Company, Inc., with two brothers.

1978 – Red Skelton

 Skelton

The son of a circus clown who died before he was born, he was the star of many MGM comedies, combining these with superstardom on television.

1979 – Lucille Ball

 Ball

Hollywood's greatest female clown... and the world still proclaims "I Love Lucy."

1980 – Henry Fonda

 Fonda

When the HFPA honored him, there were memorable roles to look back on, except one--his last... "On Golden Pond" hit the screens the following year.