Entertainment on Parade

Actor/director Warren Beatty was honored with the American Film Institute’s lifetime achievement award this week. It was a virtual who’s who of Hollywood as those there to honor him on this occasion included film industry greats Jane Fonda, Jack Nicholson, Dustin Hoffman, Diane Keaton, Halle Berry, and director Quentin Tarantino. Taped tributes by Barbara Streisand, Gene Hackman, Goldie Hawn and presidential candidate John McCain were also shown.

Beatty started out his career in television, appearing on such shows as “Studio One”, “Playhouse 90″, and “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.” He starred with Natalie Wood in 1961’s Splendor in the Grass and achieved critical acclaim when he both produced and starred in 1967’s Bonnie and Clyde. During the 70s, Beatty continued to act, appearing in Shampoo and Heaven Can Wait. But, it wasn’t until 1981 that Oscar would come calling. As the writer, director, and star of Reds, Beatty became one of the few men in history to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Writing for one film. He took home the Best Director statue. Over the span of his 47 year career, Beatty has been nominated for 14 Academy Awards.

Close friend Jack Nicholson said it all when he said, “You get all these honors because of your passion and your dedication to excellence.” Indeed, to make it almost 50 years in a town like Hollywood, you have to be both passionate and dedicated. Bonnie and Clyde is one of the first films I remember seeing as a child and to this day, I love Warren Beatty. (Image courtesy WireImage.com)

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