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Jackie Chan, Oscar Winner: Longtime Actor Receives Honorary Oscar, ‘Rush Hour’ Costar Chris Tucker Pays Tribute

By Glenn Hadley
Published on: 14:53 PST, Nov 13, 2016

Actor Jackie Chan received an honorary Oscar at the annual Governors Awards this weekend in Los Angeles.

The 62-year-old longtime actor and action movie star has continuously added film after film to his growing resume of acting roles over the years. However, none of his performances have ever led to a nomination for an Academy Award. After working in the industry for more than half of a century, Chan finally got the recognition from the Academy that many of his loyal fans and critics likely feel he should have received years ago.

During his honorary Oscar acceptance speech, Jackie Chan made it clear that his appreciation for his fans has been a major source of motivation over the years.

“I break so many bones! I still cannot believe I am standing here. It’s a dream. Friends, fans around the world, because of you I have a reason to continue making movies, jumping out [of] windows, kicking and punching and breaking my bones.”

Jackie Chan could have easily used the stage to toot his own horn – especially after a 54-year career reportedly consisting of over 200 film credits. However, there was more than enough star power on the same stage that paved the way by tooting Jackie’s horn on his behalf.

For instance, one of Jackie’s most widely-known costars is none other than Chris Tucker. One of Jackie’s most popular movies and blockbuster franchises that stands out in the minds of many of his fans is Rush Hour. Therefore, chances are that a lot of people were expecting Chris Tucker to jump at the opportunity of honoring the man that helped him to build one of the most successful movie franchises of their respective careers.

Tucker did not disappoint as he took the stage to share a few words about his friend and former cinematic sidekick.

“The fact that I got to work with Jackie was amazing, a living legend… Jackie, I love you. You are part of me, and congratulations! I am so thrilled and honored to present to my good friend, Jackie Chan, with the honorary Oscar.”

Actress Michelle Yeoh, Jackie’s costar in Police Story 3, introduced a video montage that showcased Chan’s work and impressive performances over the years. Before she took the stage, though, two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks had a chance to shine a spotlight on Jackie Chan’s career as well. In addition to claiming that Jackie Chan “puts the ‘Chan’ in ‘Chan-Tastic,'” Hanks also made a profound statement about the film genres in which Jackie has worked for most of his acting career.

“[Jackie] has worked mostly in martial arts films and action comedies, two genres that have been, for some reason, shall we say historically underrepresented at the Oscars, a fact that will change if I have any pull on the board of Governors.”

According to People magazine, Chan thanked the “incredible city” and his hometown and “hood,” Hong Kong for making him. He stated that he is “proud to be Chinese” and later thanked Hollywood for teaching him so many things and also made him “a little bit famous.”

Over the years, Jackie Chan has been able to get involved both in front of and behind the camera for a number of different movies. His estimated net worth is $350 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. In addition to acting, he has also received credits as a producer, screenwriter, stunt performer, director, and even a singer. Thanks to the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Hollywood, Jackie Chan can add yet another title to his growing list of accolades, awards, and accomplishments: honorary Oscar winner.

[Featured Image by by Chris Pizzello /Invision/AP Images]

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