Legendary comedian and filmmaker Mel Brooks received an honorary Oscar at the 14th Governors Awards.
According to People Magazine, actors Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane serenaded Brooks, 97, before presenting him with the award Tuesday night.
Lane sang, “He can make the whole world laugh,” and the duo gave a nod to his campfire beans scene, then sang, “If you don’t die from laughing, you might die from the smell.”
“He’s awake, but he ain’t WOKE,” Lane also sang before he and Broderick recalled lyrics from Brook’s famous comedies.
Upon entering the stage to receive the honor, Brooks stated, “This is beautiful. I got to tell you, this means a lot to me. It really means a lot.”
He joked that he felt badly about winning an Oscar for “The Producers” because he sold it. “Times weren’t great, ya know,” he added.
“Seriously, I gotta blow my nose,” he went on.
Brooks continued, “When your peers appreciate your work, and they salute you with this golden statue, it means a great deal.”
He also explained that he was the youngest of four boys and that show business is similar to family. He noted that over time, people recognize and appreciate you.
“I won’t sell this. I swear to God,” he concluded.
Before entering Hollywood, Brooks tested out his comedic skills in his neighborhood and then served in World War II, per Biography.com.
He created the Broadway Musical “The Producers” and films like “Blazing Saddles,”and “Young Frankenstein.”
He has won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards, a feat that only 13 other people have achieved.
According to IMDB he wrote 50 movies which spanned over a 70-year period.
His hand for parody led him to win over generations of moviegoers with films like “Spaceballs” “Robin Hood Men in Tights,” and “Dracula: Dead and Loving it.”
The names you know. The history you don’t. History of the World Part II, a four night event, streaming March 6 on @hulu! #HistoryOfTheWorldPart2 pic.twitter.com/bMFHuc1WN3
— Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) January 13, 2023
Most recently, Brooks released the “History of the World: Part II” television series in 2023.
Actress Angela Bassett, who starred in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” and Carol Littleton, a film editor, also received honorary Oscars that night.
