Jack Black opens the tribute with a rendition of 'I'm Picking Out a Thermos for You' from Martin's first film 'The Jerk', while Mel Brooks presents Martin with the Life Achievement Award.
- June 5, 2015
AceShowbiz -
Steve Martin was feted at a private ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Thursday night, June 4. He was honored with the American Film Institute's 43d Life Achievement Award, which was presented to him by Mel Brooks.
A number of fellow celebrities and Martin's co-stars took turn to pay tribute to him. Jack Black kicked it off with a performance of "I'm Picking Out a Thermos for You" from Martin's 1979 film "The Jerk".
Tina Fey joked about the honoree, "Steve donates all his old white suits to lesbian commitment ceremonies." Steve Carell shared, "I have spent the majority of my life doing a pale imitation of Steve Martin - and I resent him for that."
Queen Latifah quipped, "He is the whitest man on earth. In college, he majored in white studies." Diane Keaton, Martin Short, Amy Poehler, Sarah Silverman, Dan Aykroyd, Lily Tomlin and Conan O'Brien were among other stars who roasted the 69-year-old actor.
Martin said in his speech, "When I was a kid I used to get all dressed up and play AFI Life Achievement Awards." He credited "Saturday Night Live" producer Lorne Michaels for his success, "Lorne is really responsible for my being here tonight - Lorne, thank you for driving."
He concluded his statement by quoting a remark by Jack Benny, "I don't really deserve this award, but I have arthritis and I don't deserve that either."
The ceremony will be broadcast June 13 on TBS.
