After 56 years in the movie industry and 200 films, 62-year-old Jackie Chan finally won an Oscar. The action star was one of the recipients of this year's Governors Awards last night's in Hollywood.
His friend and "Rush Hour" co-star Chris Tucker was given the honors to present Chan the award, E! Online reported. Before he was given the award, Tom Hanks gave a toast and Brett Ratner and Jennifer Yuh Nelson gave heartwarming testimonials for the comedy action star. Jackie Chan gave an acceptance speech thanking his fans all over the world, saying that they are the reason why he still does his death defying action stunts.
Tom Hanks praised Jackie Chan in his toast saying that the awardee has successfully merged martial arts and comedy in Hollywood movies, People reported. Hanks said it's about time to honor this underrepresented genre in film. He also said that Jackie Chan is very creative with all his hilarious antics and gruesome action sequences, which has delighted fans from all over the world.
Hanks even compared Chans talents to the slapstick genius Buster Keaton and the action-packed magnificence of John Wayne. However, there is one thing that these geniuses didn't do that Chan did, and that is putting bloopers in the rolling credits.
Christ Tucker who is very dear to Jackie Chan also gave a lovely speech for the awardee, saying that Chan is a living legend and that he has become a part of him.
Chan recollected his past upon accepting the award, saying that he could remember his dad asking him why he hasn't won any Oscars yet. Then he answered his dad, saying he only makes comedy action movies. He also remembered meeting Sylvester Stallone 23 years ago and seeing the "Rocky" star's Oscar. He said he touched and kissed that Oscar, telling himself that he really wants one for himself.
The other honorees of that night include film editor Anne V. Coates, documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman, and casting director Lynn Stalmaster. The Governors Awards is a very important honor for ny filmmaker or actor who desire an Oscar nomination.