On Sunday night at the 8th annual Governors Awards in Los Angeles, Jackie Chan was awarded an honorary Academy Award for his decades of work in the film industry.
The 62-year-old actor graciously accepted his award, sharing that his father had always asked him about taking home an Oscar.
“My dad always said, ‘Son, you get so many movie awards in the world, when are you going to get one of these?'” he revealed. “Then I’d just look at my dad, “Dad, I only make comedy action movies.'”
“After 56 years in the film industry, making over 200 films, I’ve broken so many bones, finally this is mine,” he said. “I want to thank you, Hong Kong, such an incredible city, my hometown, my hood, who make me. China, my country, I am proud to be Chinese. Thank you, Hollywood, for all of those years teaching me so many things, and also make me a little bit famous. I’m just honored to be here.”
Tom Hanks, who co-presented Chan’s award with Michelle Yeoh and Chris Tucker, co-stars from some of his previous movies, spoke briefly about how the Rush Hour star’s action and comedy-oriented films are often overlooked during awards season.
Prior to receiving the award, Chan wrote in a Facebook post that he felt “absolutely honored to be the first Chinese in history” to receive the distinction.
Congratulations, Jackie Chan!
