Mel Brooks on Jan. 9.Photo:Kevin Winter/Getty
Kevin Winter/Getty
Mel Brookscan put another accolade on his resumé, with the legendary comedian and filmmaker receiving an honorary Oscar at the 14th Governors Awards.
“This is beautiful,” Brooks, 97, began his acceptance speech after presentersNathan LaneandMatthew Broderickserenaded him with songs from his storied career. “I got to tell you, this means a lot to me. It really means a lot.”
Brooks vowed to never sell his second Oscar, jokingly telling the crowd he had sold his first. In 1968, Brooks won best original screenplay forThe Producers. “I miss it so much,” he cracked. “I never should have sold it.”
TheYoung Frankensteindirector recalled how it “meant a lot” to be awarded his place growing up as the youngest of four boys. “Finally they got to see me. It’s the same thing in show business,” Brooks said. “If your fellow writers, directors, actors like you and appreciate your work, it means a lot. It means a whole lot.”
Mel Brooks (right) receives his honorary Oscar from Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick.Kevin Winter/Getty
“When your peers appreciate your work and they salute you with this golden statue, it means a great deal,” the spry legend continued, calling the award “terrific.”
“I won’t sell this. I swear to God,” Brooks promised before leaving the stage with a smile and a wave.
Prior to his acceptance speech, Lane and Broderick, who starred in Brooks’The ProducersTony-winning musicalon Broadway and in the 2005 film, broke into songs likeTheKing of Broadwaybefore a crowd that included honorary Oscar winner Angela Bassett, Bradley Cooper, Margot Robbie and Robert Downey Jr,
“Ladies and gentlemen, you name it, and he can do it!” sang Lane. Broderick chimed in: “Every gag that’s made you giggle probably started out with Mel.”
On June 26, 2023,the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealedthat Brooks, along with Bassett and film editor Carol Littleton, would receive the award at the November ceremony for their contributions to the industry.
He added, “A long time ago I was given a choice: I had an offer to be working as an apprentice accountant or as a coffee runner in show business. I’m still glad I chose the coffee.”
Brooks isone of 23 individuals to achieve an EGOT— an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award. Brooks earned two more Oscar nods in 1975 for best adapted screenplay forYoung Frankensteinand best original song forBlazing Saddles.
Mel Brooks on Jan. 9.ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty
ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty
“Mel Brooks lights up our hearts with his humor, and his legacy has made a lasting impact on every facet of entertainment," Academy President Janet Yang previously said in a press release.
Past recipients of the award includeSamuel L. Jackson,Donald Sutherland,Jackie ChanandCicely Tyson.
source: people.com
