The Harlem-born actress, who turns 94 next month, was welcomed on stage with a standing ovation.
Tyson, whose illustrious career has spanned seven decades, was only ever nominated for one Oscar.
She went from taking notes to taking over, Spielberg quipped.
Credit: WireImage; Rob Latour/REX/Shutterstock
The Governors Awards has a more relaxed and camera-less atmosphere than Februarys Oscars.
Lin-Manuel Miranda chatted with the cast ofCrazy Rich Asianswhile Lupita Nyongo and Danai Gurira caught up with Joel Edgerton.
He has been nominated for six Oscars, but had never won one.
