Jackie Chan has “finally” won an Oscar after 56 years in the industry.
The martial arts star was awarded the gold statuette at the annual Governors Awards for his legacy in the industry.
“After 56 years in the film industry, making more than 200 films, after so many bones, finally,” Chan, 62, said at the star-studded gala dinner whilst holding his Oscar.
The actor mentioned how he would watch the ceremony with his family. His father would always ask him why he didn’t have the award despite making so many movies.
“I just look at my dad and said, ‘Ha, ha, ha,'” Chan said, “‘Dad, I only make comedy action movies.'”
Chan also praised his hometown Hong Kong, saying he was “proud to be Chinese”. The kung fu master thanked his fans too, citing them as the reason he continues to “make movies, jumping through windows, kicking and punching, breaking my bones.”
Chan was introduced by Rush Hour co-star Chris Tucker, Michelle Yeoh and Tom Hanks, who called him “Jackie ‘Chantastic’ Chan”.
Hanks said that martial arts and action comedy films were two genres overlooked during awards season.
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, hosts of the ceremony, also gave Oscars to British film editor Anne V Coates, casting director Lynn Stalmaster and documentarian Federick Wiseman.
The ceremony was attended by A-list Hollywood stars including Denzel Washington, Lupita Nyong’o, Nicole Kidman, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Amy Adams and Dev Patel.
Be sure to check out our list of 17 facts you might not know about the legendary actor and to like and follow our Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates on Jackie Chan and other Asian actors.
