On this day in 1969 Mel Brooks took home the Oscar for Writing (Story and Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen) for The Producers at the 41st Academy Awards.
In true Mel Brooks fashion, he gave an acceptance speech we wouldn’t soon forget, including thanking Gene Wilder over and over again.
Also, in case that wasn’t enough, he was presented the award by Frank Sinatra and the late Don Rickles. The two Hollywood legends go on for 3 minutes about what exactly they should be doing on stage, all while carrying their giant cue card. Overall, this clip is a piece of Hollywood gold.
If you want to learn more, check out American Masters – Mel Brooks: Make A Noise, watch this clip of Frank Sinatra performing with Bing Crosby and Dean Martin, or listen to Don Rickles riff.