During his 50+ year movie career, the martial arts actor and director has never been nominated for an Oscar.
The 62-year old martial artist, actor, director, producer, and singer received an honorary Oscar yesterday at the Academy's Governors Awards, for his contribution to cinema.
The Hong-Kong actor has appeared (and directed) in several martial arts films. Western audience are more familiar with his Hollywood works like the Rush Hour series, The Karate Kid remake, Shanghai Knights, or The Tuxedo. Since the 1960’s, the actor has appeared in over 150 films, but has never received an Oscar nomination.
The Academy finally decided to honor him and said Chan has spent four decades "charming audiences with his dazzling athleticism, inventive stunt work and boundless charisma"
The honorary Oscar, which was awarded for lifetime achievement in the field of acting, was awarded to Chan after he was introduced on stage by Tom Hanks, who lauded Chan’s work ethic.
“How is this possible out of one man? His talents must truly be Chan-tastic,” Tom Hanks said “Great acting comes in many different forms, but when you are an actor, you know it when you see it.”
Taking to the stage, Chan said it was “a dream” to be recognised in this manner.
“I break so many bones! I still cannot believe I am standing here. It’s a dream,” the 62-year-old said. “Friends, fans around the world, because of you I have a reason to continue making movies, jumping out [of] windows, kicking and punching and breaking my bones.”
{youtube}Z1PCtIaM_GQ{/youtube}
#rhythmofthecity #y101fm #alwaysfirst #entertainment