With over 200 films to his credit, actor-martial artist Jackie Chan, star of films like Rush Hour, needs no introduction. However, it is hard to believe that despite a successful career that spans over five decades, he never won an Oscar until now. Winning an Oscar award always remained a dream for the actor, one that has finally been fulfilled. Chan received an honorary Oscar at the Eighth Annual Governors Awards, which was held this Saturday night at the Hollywood and Highland Center in Los Angeles.
The actor received the award from his fellow iconic action man Sylvester Stallone (known for his role in the Rocky franchise), who even raised Chan’s arm and pointed to him as a sign of respect.
“After 56 years in the film industry, making more than 200 films, breaking so many bones, finally this is mine,” Chan exclaimed holding the shiny gold trophy. “Every year when I watch the Oscars with my dad… my dad always said, ‘Son, you’ve got so many movie awards around the world. When are you gonna get one of these?’ I just looked at my dad, ‘Ha ha ha. Dad, I only make comedy action movies.’”
Others who endorsed Chan’s Oscar victory were actors such as Tom Hanks, Chris Tucker and Arnold Schwarzenegger. While Tucker was more than happy to make his felt at the event to support his friend, Tom Hanks told AFP about Chan: “Jackie Chan has the wisdom of the East and the discipline of a master martial artist.”
The event comes across as a kind of opening bell of awards season that is soon to begin. Others who were honoured with the award apart from Chan include Casting Director Lynn Stalmaster, Editor Anne V. Coates, and Documentarian Frederick Wiseman.