LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13 -- Chinese actor Jackie Chan, British film editor Anne V. Coates, American casting director Lynn Stalmaster and American documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman were presented with the Academy's Honorary Awards Saturday night to recognize their lifetime contributions to the film industry.
The honors were presented at the eighth annual Governors Awards ceremony at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood &Highland Center.
"The Honorary Award was created for artists like Jackie Chan, Anne Coates, Lynn Stalmaster and Frederick Wiseman -- true pioneers and legends in their crafts," Cheryl Boone Isaacs, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, said, "The Board is proud to honor their extraordinary achievements."
Chan, as an actor, writer, director and producer, has been performing since the age of eight, appearing in dozens of martial arts films in Hong Kong before becoming an international film star. He charmed audiences with his dazzling athleticism, inventive stunt work and boundless charisma.
Since "Rumble in the Bronx" in 1996, he has gone on to enormous worldwide success with the "Rush Hour" movies, "Shanghai Noon", "Shanghai Knights", "Around the World in 80 Days", "The Karate Kid" and the "Kung Fu Panda" series of animated films.
Wearing a typical Chinese gown, Chan said with his golden Oscar statuette, "I still can't believe I am standing here. It's a dream."
"Twenty-three years ago, I saw this little thing (Oscar statuette) in my friend's house. I touched it, kissed it, and smelled it; I believe there are still my finger prints on it," Chan joked.
"After 56 years in the film industry, making more than 200 films, and broke so many bones, finally, this is mine," he said, "I want to thank Hong Kong, an incredible city, my hometown. (Thank) who made me, China, my country, I am proud to be Chinese."
"Millions of thanks to all my friends, fans around the world, because you I have a reason to continue to make movies, jumping out of a window, kicking and punching and breaking my bone, thank you so much!" he added.
The Governors Awards ceremony attracted lots of celebrities in the film industry. Tom Hanks, a two-time Oscar winner, said Chan's movies had combined serious and comedic factors together.
"It is especially gratified to be able to acknowledge Jackie's enormous creativity, his great gift for physical performance, and incredible dedication to his work," Hanks said.
Aaron Eckhart, who starred Harvey Dent in "The Dark Knight", said Chan deserves the award.
"He is an artist, I mean the passion which he does his jobs. He is so creative, he always has a smile on his face, he is a great role model, he is a legend, he is an icon," he said.
The Honorary Award, an Oscar statuette, is given to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or for outstanding service to the Academy.
This award could date back to 1929 when the Academy honored Warner Bros. and Charlie Chaplin. Since 2009, the Honorary Award has been presented at the annual Governors Awards rather than at the Academy Awards.
