After decades of death-defying stunts, broken bones and a ton of classic movies, martial arts legendJackie Chanis finally getting anOscar.Chan, along with several others, will be presented with an honorary Oscar at the Academy’s 8th Annual Governors Awards on Saturday, November 12. After more than 50 years in the business,Chanhas very well earned this honor.
The Academyannounced on Thursday that the Board of Governors of theAcademy of Motion Picture Arts and Scienceshad voted to bestow the honor toChan, who’s first acting credit dates all the way back to 1962. The actor got his first major break in the action/comedySnake in the Eagle’s Shadowin 1978, and the martial arts world has never quite been the same since. Here’s what Academy presidentCheryl Boone Isaacshad to say about it in a statement.
“TheHonorary Awardwas created for artists like Jackie Chan, Anne Coates, Lynn Stalmaster and Frederick Wiseman - true pioneers and legends in their crafts. The Board is proud to honor their extraordinary achievements, and we look forward to celebrating with them at the Governors Awards in November.”
Jackie Chanhad starred in, as well as produced and occasionally directed, more than 30 martial arts movies in Hong Kong before becoming a massive international star in the mid-90s, thanks to his work in the classicRumble in the Bronx. Since then, he has had massive commercial success, with movies likeRush Hourand theKung Fu Pandatrilogy. To date, his movies have grossed $3.8 billion worldwide. That success has come at a cost, though.Chanfamously does his own stunts, and has really pushed the limits ofmartial artsduring his long career. That being the case, he has stacked up quite a long list of injuries, ranging from broken bones to serious head injuries. He has always found a way to bounce back and is still working steadily today.
The other three filmmakers who are receivinghonorary Oscarsthis year may not have the name recognition thatJackie Chanhas, but they are equally deserving.Anne V. Coatesis a legendary film editor, having worked on classics likeLawrence of Arabia,Murder on the Orient ExpressandChaplin.Lynn Stalmasterhas been a casting director for more than 200 movies spanning five decades. He has worked on such classics asThe Graduate,The Right StuffandDeliverance. Lastly, documentary filmmakerFrederick Wisemanis being honored for his staggering output, having made a movie nearly every year since 1967.Wisemangained a lot of recognition for his first documentary feature,Titicut Follies, which featured a behind the scenes at the Bridgewater State Hospital for the criminally insane.
These honorary Oscars are given out each year “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.” These filmmakers all seem very deserving of the honor, and they have definitely served the movie-loving community well over the years. The Academy’s 8th Annual Governors Awards will take place on Saturday, November 12, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center.
