Tom Hanks leads Governors Awards praise for 'Chan-tastic' Jackie Chan

LOS ANGELES — Tom Hanks knows why martial arts actor Jackie Chan was bestowed an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards on Saturday night: The guy is simply Chan-tastic.

Hanks was tasked with introducing Chan, one of four filmmakers to receive the lifetime achievement honor, which was also given to film editor Anne V. Coates, casting director Lynn Stalmaster and documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman.

Chan, 62, has produced, directed and starred in serious films like legendary actor John Wayne and physically comedic films like Buster Keaton, Hanks said.

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"How is this possible out of one man? His talents must truly be Chan-tastic," said Hanks. The actor added that many of Chan's film contributions were overlooked for awards because they're martial arts films.

"Great acting comes in many different forms, but when you are an actor, you know it when you see it," Hanks said. Chan has starred in the Rush Hour movies and Rumble in the Bronx, performing his own action stunts in more than 200 films.

Chan said he never imagined he would be standing at the Academy Awards podium after a career of "comedy-action movies."

"I break so many bones," said Chan. "I still cannot believe I am standing here. It’s a dream."

Chan gave thanks to his fans around the world. "Because of you, I have a reason to continue jumping into windows, kicking and punching and breaking my bones," said Chan.

The night's other Governors Awards honorees:

Frederick Wiseman

Actor Don Cheadle gave praise to the documentary director of films such as Titicut Follies, who pioneered an unobtrusive, observational storytelling style.

"He might be a fly on the wall, but he always seems to know just the right wall," said Cheadle. "And that’s amazing."

Wiseman, 86, called the award "a great and wonderful recognition of the work I’ve been doing for 50 years."

"I've been involved in a 50-year course of adult education where I am the alleged adult who studies a new subject every year," said Wiseman.

Anne V. Coates

Richard Gere presented the award to the "greatest of the great film editors," who got her break working on director David Lean's 1962 classic Lawrence of Arabia and who continues to work today.

Coates, 90, who has edited films such as Out of Sight and Fifty Shades of Grey, dedicated the award to "unsung heroes" of editing. She said she had no complaints.

"Can you imagine a job where you are actually paid to look into the eyes of George Clooney, Clint Eastwood and Jamie Dornan?" said Coates.

Lynn Stalmaster

Actor Bruce Dern gave praise to the casting director who helped his and many other actors' careers for decades. Stalmaster, 88, is the first casting director to receive an Oscar.

"When we honor Lynn Stalmaster, we honor a group of people who have been in the background in our industry," said Dern. "Every movie that was ever made was made with a casting director."