Comic genius Mel Brooks received the AFI Lifetime Achievement award in Los Angeles Thursday night, with plenty of stars taking the podium to recognize his incredible talent.
Brooks was picked for the 41st annual award in October and director Martin Scorsese was tapped to present the award. Brooks, 87, was recently featured in a PBS special and is best known for the films Blazing Saddles, The Producers, Young Frankenstein and Spaceballs.
“Mel has always made his own comedy his own way, and reminded us yet again what is all too easy to forget: You can be a great filmmaker, just for laughs,” the Hugo director said about Brooks’ work, reports USA Today.
According to The Associated Press, Martin Short opened the event with a song-and-dance sketch using Brooks’ songs. “The word genius is used a lot in Hollywood, so I might as well call Mel one,” Short said.
Billy Crysta, Cloris Leachman, Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O’Brien, Larry David, Sarah Silverman and Robert DeNiro also spoke.
“You know the one that really hurt?” DeNiro said. “Overlooking me for the monster in Young Frankenstein. I mean, I was born to play that role.”
Several others spoke via video, including Gene Wilder, the star of The Producers and co-writer of Young Frankenstein. “I don't think there's any man anywhere who's like you...I love you, Mel,” Wilder commented.
"Movies saved my life," Brooks said when he picked up the award. "They rescued my soul. No matter what was bad or wrong, it could be wiped out on Saturday morning."
The event will air on TNT on June 15.
image: WikiMedia Commons
