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Congressman John Lewis will present best picture during Academy Awards

Here's why the Civil Rights leader will be part of Hollywood's biggest night.

ATLANTA — Civil rights leader and U.S. Congressman John Lewis has been tapped to introduce one of the eight Best Picture nominees during the Academy Awards this Sunday.

Lewis joins other highly-recognized talents from various walks of life who will present during Hollywood’s biggest night, announced show producer Donna Gigliotti and co-producer and director Glenn Weiss.

“Movies connect us all,” said Gigliotti and Weiss. “They move us, and they create moments and memories that unite us. We are thrilled to assemble this well-known array of film lovers to introduce and share their reflections on the Best Picture-nominated movies.”

Lewis, a Democrat, played a key role in the civil rights movement and marched with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1965 in Selma, Ala.

Most recently, Lewis has challenged issues related to higher education and immigration.

Previously announced presenters in other award categories include:

Elsie Fisher, Danai Gurira, Brian Tyree Henry, Michael B. Jordan, Michael Keaton, Helen Mirren, John Mulaney, Tyler Perry, Pharrell Williams, Krysten Ritter, Paul Rudd and Michelle Yeoh.

Javier Bardem, Angela Bassett, Chadwick Boseman, Emilia Clarke, Laura Dern, Samuel L. Jackson, Stephan James, Keegan-Michael Key, KiKi Layne, James McAvoy, Melissa McCarthy, Jason Momoa and Sarah Paulson.

Awkwafina, Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Tina Fey, Allison Janney, Brie Larson, Jennifer Lopez, Frances McDormand, Gary Oldman, Amy Poehler, Sam Rockwell, Maya Rudolph, Charlize Theron, Tessa Thompson and Constance Wu.

The Oscars air live on the ABC Television Network and is broadcast in more than 225 countries and territories.

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