Mel Brooks received an award Thursday encompassing all the accolades and acclaim he has ever received: the American Film Institute's (AFI) Lifetime Achievement Award, USA Today reported.
In attendance at the tribute gala at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood were Billy Crystal, Robert DeNiro, Cloris Leachman, Amy Poehler, Conan O'Brien, Martin Scorsese, Sarah Silverman, Jimmy Kimmel, Morgan Freeman, Jimmy Kimmel, David Lynch and Larry David.
Martin Short kicked off the event by rolling on stage in a bed. Dressed in pajamas, he performed "Springtime for Hitler," the classic tune from Brooks' "The Producers."
The Lifetime Achievement Award dinner is a black tie event that is often taken very seriously in the film industry. That was impossible considering the volume of funnymen in attendance.
"Mel's appearances on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show are some of the most explosively funny and hilarious moments in the history of all late-night television," O'Brien said. "When I was growing up and word would get out that Mel Brooks was going to be a guest on Johnny, my whole house would stay up late."
Kimmel responded to his fellow late night host, ""We love you much more than Conan's family loves you."
"It's very rare that you get a chance to say in public 'thank you' to one of your heroes. To me he's an original, a true comic icon who made me want to be a comedian. So tonight, Carl..." Crystal said as he paused to nod at Carl Reiner, Brooks' oldest friend and collaborator, who was sitting at his table.
Martin Scorsese - the 25th recipient of the award, presented the trophy to Brooks -the 41st recipient.
"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," Scorsese said.
When comedy legend finally took the stage, he ran a joke of his own.
"Normally, I don't agree with the AFI choices. Tonight, I kind of do," he said. "I thank them for this honor."
The tribute will air on TNT on Saturday, June 15 at 9 p.m.
