"Why am I getting an Oscar?": Jackie Chan Felt His "Cheap Comedy Movies" Did Not Deserve to Win Oscars

byRahul ThokchomAugust 27, 2023, 10:14 am

Jackie Chan is one of the rare breed of actors who have a signature style to their work and will be remembered as an iconic figure in film history. His unique blend of authentic action and impeccable comedic chops has been the staple of a perfect entertaining Jackie Chan film. His films have entertained and impressed audiences across the globe.He is considered one of the best martial artists out there and puts his skills to great use while creating his brand of action comedy films. Although action films are not considered seriously during awards season, his historic win in 2016, although deserved, shocked him as he did not envision any of his works to be award-worthy.

Jackie Chan received an Honorary Oscar in 2016 at the Eighth Annual Governors Awards. He was not expecting the award and was also not told beforehand that he would be receiving it. It proved to be a huge shocker for him as his films were not targeted towards awards and the admiration of the critics. He made films just to make audiences happy and enjoy their escapade to the movies. On receiving the award, he said,

“My dad always said, Son, you get so many movie awards in the world, when are you going to get one of these? Then I just look at my dad. Ha, ha, ha. Dad, I only make comedy action movies,”

He generously thanked his fans and Hollywood for recognizing and appreciating his body of work saying,

“After 56 years in the film industry, making over 200 films, I’ve broken so many bones, finally this is mine. I want to thank you, Hong Kong, such an incredible city, my hometown, my hood, who make me…China, my country, I am proud to be Chinese. Thank you, Hollywood, for all of those years teaching me so many things, and also make me a little bit famous. I’m just honored to be here,”

All the years of hard work and dedication that Chan put into entertaining his fans paid off. He had finally got something that he never even dreamt of winning. Instead, the award came to him and deservedly so.

Also read: “I don’t get American culture”: Jackie Chan Almost Gave Up on His $849M Franchise After it Tanked in China for a Surprising Reason

On the Steve Harvey Show, Jackie Chan talked about his unexpected Oscar win and how everyone kept the information a secret from him. He expressed his initial shock and confusion to Harvey saying,

I really felt surprised why they gave the Oscar to me. I just make cheap comedy action movies. I never thought I would get the Oscar. Those Oscars they give to Tom Hanks…I thought they want me to present the Oscar… What Movie did I Do? There’s no Movie! Then the announcement came that I got the Oscar, I received a Life Achievement Award, wow! Just unbelievable.

Chan’s humble and sincere nature is evident here as his works and movies are being appreciated by everyone and the prestigious awards find their way to him instead of him trying to chase for it.

Also read: “For me he is a GOD”: Jackie Chan Can Jump Off a Building in a Heartbeat But He Still Can’t Figure Out Steven Spielberg’s ‘Jurassic Park’ Dinosaur Trick

Jackie Chan continues to be a great inspiration for many action stars of the current generation who have admired his unique style of action filmmaking. His films like Drunken Master (1978), Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow (1978), Project A (1983), his Police Story films (1985-2013), and Rush Hour films (1998-2007) have been celebrated by fans and studied by action filmmakers. His unique talent of blending real-life action sequences and comedy has been his defining feature, one which other filmmakers and actors have a hard time trying to successfully emulate.

He has also ventured into dramatic and serious roles in films like The Karate Kid (2010), Shinjuku Incident (2009), Police Story 2013, and The Foreigner (2017).

Also read: “I have a hole in my head”: Jackie Chan Details Every Body Part He Has Broken in Movies and His Answer Will Scare You

Source: YouTube

Jackie Chan

I'm Rahul from MANIPUR. A total ambivert constantly discovering the world. I love watching movies and talking with like-minded people about the pleasures and frustrations cinema provides!