One of the most meaningful events of Buster’s last years was receiving an honorary Academy Award in April 1960. Although I knew he was going to receive the award, Buster did not.
He thought the only reason we were invited to attend the Academy Awards was as a result of his performing as comic relief with Robert Cummings in an Oscar show taped at the Hollywood Brown Derby just before the awards ceremony at the Pantages Theater. Buster received his award at the Governors’ Ball held at Beverly Hilton Hotel after the telecast.
The citation on the statuette reads, “To Buster Keaton for his unique talents which brought immortal comedies to the screen.”
Tears were in his eyes when Buster reached the podium to receive the award, and all he managed to say was “thank you.”
-Eleanor Keaton, Buster Keaton Remembered
Reblogging for those who missed Buster’s Oscar story
