It's a big day for Hollywood actor-producer Michael Douglas. On Tuesday, the veteran actor was conferred with the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. It was also the closing ceremony of the prestigious film festival.
Douglas, 79, was honoured with the award by the Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant. The introductory speech was given by actor Ayushmann Khurrana who also invited the legendary actor to the stage to receive the award.
He was honoured with the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award for his remarkable contributions to the world of filmmaking. The Hollywood star also received a standing ovation from the audience.
In his acceptance speech, the actor said, “I’ll want to share this with PM Modi, Minister Anurag Thakur, Minister L Murugan, and my good friend, Shailendra Singh. It’s an honour to receive this award. I’m humbled to join a prestigious group of winners. Ray personified what it means to be a filmmaker.”
“With everything going on in the world today, this festival is a reminder of the magic of moviemaking. When you’ve been around as long as I have, it becomes clear that cinema has the power to unite across geography, race, language, and even time,” he added.
He also acknowledged the people who played an important part in his career of 55 years. ''My earliest mentors, and countless technicians, I wouldn’t be here without your guidance'', he said. Michael also gave credit to his father, Kirk, his wife and his son and thanked them for their support and patience.
Douglas was accompanied by his actor wife Catherine Zeta-Jones and their son Dylan. Earlier, at a press meet, Catherine also expressed her love for India and Bollywood films.
Michael Douglas is known for his works like 'Falling Down,’, ‘The Game,’ ‘The American President', ‘Fatal Attraction’, ‘Wall Street’, ‘The Ghost and the Darkness’ and ‘A Perfect Murder’ among others.
He has won two Academy Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, the AFI Life Achievement Award and now the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award at IFFI 2023.
