He’s the highest grossing box office actor of all time!
Samuel L. Jackson received his very first Oscar from longtime friend and peer, Denzel Washington, People reports.
Samuel L. Jackson is an iconic actor, to say the least. Not only has Jackson starred in more than 150 films over the course of his career, including notable classics such as Pulp Fiction, Jurassic Park, Deep Blue Sea, and Die Hard with a Vengeance, he also has a long list of philanthropic efforts that only enhance his congeniality with the masses. Despite his illustrious career, and being the highest grossing box office actor of all time, with over $27 billion worldwide, the 73-year-old had never received an Oscar, until this past weekend.
The Marvel star was presented with an honorary Academy Award for lifetime achievement at the Governors Awards this past Friday. While the event was not televised, it was still monumental, and Jackson received the award from his longtime friend and peer, legendary actor Denzel Washington.
Before bringing Jackson onstage, Washington spoke about his relationship with Jackson that goes back to the beginning of their careers, speaking on his philanthropic efforts and how long overdue the recognition was.
“Sam and I go back in the theater, the Goodman Theatre. We worked together even before that, at the Negro Ensemble Company. We did a pretty good play called The Soldier’s Play that became [a] great movie, A Soldier’s Story. Wasn’t as good as it would’ve been had Sam been in it, but that’s for another day,” Washington remarked.
Jackson was nominated for best supporting actor at the Academy Awards for his role in Pulp Fiction in 1995. Before accepting his award, he also recalled fond moments with Washington before reflecting on his five decade career, saying he was really proud.
“We’ve come a long way and done a lot of things. So I’m really, really proud to receive this statue. Who knows, that little kid from Chattanooga, Tennessee, watching movies, wishing he could be here to get the votes of people who run an organization like this that says, ‘Hey, I deserve something like this,’ thank you, so much,” said Jackson.
The veteran actor also thanked his wife of 42 years, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, and their daughter Zoe as well as his fans and supporters.
“When I got the opportunity, I tried to represent this business the best I do now…[My wife and daughter are my] biggest critics and biggest fans… I got out there to entertain audiences the way Hollywood entertained me. Make them forget their lives for a few hours and be thrilled, awed, or excited at the big room where make believe lives…Thanks to every person who has ever bought a ticket to any movie I was in. It’s truly been an honor and a pleasure to entertain you,” Jackson said.
Legendary actor Danny Glover also received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the ceremony for his work. The ceremony kicked off the 2022 Oscars weekend, the live airing being led by movie and television producer Will Packer who made history helming the first all-Black Oscar production team in The Academy Awards nearly 100-year-history, Black Enterprise reports.
Congratulations, Uncle Sam! Well-deserved!