Martial artist-turned-actor Jackie Chan has been around the block for so long that it’s hard to believe he’s never really won or even been nominated for an Oscar.
In an illustrious acting career that has spanned over five decades and over 200 films, the 62-year old Hong-Kong native was finally recognized for his achievements with an honorary Oscar award during the Eighth Annual Governors Awards at the Hollywood and Highland Center in Los Angeles over the weekend.
READ: Jackie Chan reflects on 50-year career and honorary Oscar
Chan, who’s known for starring roles in multiple action-comedy flicks like “Shanghai Noon” and the “Rush Hour” franchise, was introduced by his former co-stars Chris Tucker, Michelle Yeoh and Tom Hanks.
Veteran actor Hanks compared Chan to the likes of John Wayne and Buster Keaton, and described him as “Chan-tastic.”
“Jackie does something that neither one of those great screen legends was ever able to do,” he said. “Neither one of those great artists ever, ever put the bloopers on during the closing credits.”
Yeoh introduced a video montage of Chan’s work before Tucker made his much-awaited entrance.
“The fact that I got to work with Jackie was amazing, a living legend,” his “Rush Hour” stablemate said. “Jackie, I love you, you are part of me, and congratulations, and I am so thrilled and honored to present to my good friend, Jackie Chan, with the honor Oscar, ladies and gentlemen give it up for Jackie Chan!”
The Chinese actor gladly accepted his award and described it as a “dream” while also recalling some of his memories growing up and watching the Oscars with his parents.
“My dad always said, ‘Son, you get so many movie awards in the world, when are you going to get one of these?’” Chan told the star-studded audience that included Denzel Washington, Lupita Nyong’o, Nicole Kidman, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds and Amy Adams.
“Then I just looked at my dad. ‘Ha, ha, ha. Dad, I only make comedy action movies,’” he shared.
He also credited the Chinese communities for their support throughout his career, saying they were the reason he continued to “make movies, jumping through windows, kicking and punching, breaking my bones.”
“After 56 years in the film industry, making more than 200 films, breaking so many bones, finally this is mine,” Chan said as he proudly held the coveted golden prize. Khristian Ibarrola