Today marks the 104th birth anniversary of director Satyajit Ray, who gave Indian cinema a distinct identity across the globe. Very few Indians have been honored with an Oscar, the highest cinema honor in the world. Typically, the creators who receive this prestigious award are American citizens who make Hollywood films, especially in the olden days. However, Satyajit Ray, one of the most renowned Indian filmmakers, was awarded an Honorary Academy Award at the 64th Academy Awards in 1992. This distinction is like a lifetime achievement award in India. Satyajit Ray, the first Indian to win an Oscar in this category, was not present to receive it in person. Unfortunately, the reason was indigent health.
He received an Oscar in his dead bed
Satyajit Ray was hospitalized in Kolkata during the 64th Academy Awards. He couldn’t catch a flight to Los Angeles, but his video message was shown during the ceremony at the Dolby Theater. Ray’s award was announced by actress Audrey Hepburn, who described his work as “a scarce mastery of cinematic art and a profound humanism that has had an indelible impact on filmmakers and audiences around the world.”
Satyajit Ray’s acceptance speech
Satyajit Ray is giving a speech while lying on his bed and at that moment the Golden Oscar trophy is seen in his hands. “It is an extraordinary experience for me to be here tonight to receive this wonderful award, which is certainly the best achievement of my film career,” said the visionary filmmaker.
Ray died 23 days after receiving the award
In 1992, this ceremony took place on March 30, and less than a month later, on April 23, Satyajit Ray died in Kolkata at the age of 70. To date, Satyajit Ray is the only Indian to be honored with the Honorary Oscar Award. Ray is known as one of the best filmmakers in the world and in his long career he has made many great films like ‘Pather Panchali’, ‘Charulata’, ‘Mahanagar’, ‘Sonar Kela’, ‘Shatranj Ke Khiladi’.
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