Well, Douglas and Aykroyd. For me you can imagine it's an honor to explain the connection (audience laughs and Dan grins). I recently had the enormous and unexpected privilege of working with Mr. Douglas in "Diamonds," his eighty-second film. Eighty-two films--that alone is a staggering accomplishment. People, this is one lion of a man. And if you're going to be a great actor you have to be a great person. Now those are words of advice from on of Kirk's early mentors, his high school English teacher. And these are words which he has chosen to live by.
Before anyone else stood up, he led the crusade against the odious Hollywood black list (applause). And today he continues to speak out on democracy and human rights. Through the Douglas Foundation, Kirk and his wife Ann have assisted the homeless and the handicapped, and a through a favorite new project "Where Grass Would Not Grow" Kirk is helping build playgrounds for disadvantaged people here and in Israel, places where the young of different backgrounds can have fun while learning the gift of diversity.
Along with this legacy of great giving, Kirk has been a devoted father and grandfather, encouraging the talent that runs in the Douglas family. And as a matter of fact, there's an example of this particular DNA on location in Philadelphia who sent this special hello (cuts to Michael Douglas via satellite from Philadelphia, who congratulates Kirk and gives a short speech).
Kirk, we in the community have so much to thank you for. Your extraordinary screenwork exhilarates and encourages us as actors. Your timeless characters enlightens and entertains generation after generation of moviegoers. And your humanitarian work enobles everyone it touches. From the simple home you shared with Russian immigrant parents and six sisters, from the Broadway stage to film and television, writing, book publishing, you have our profound admiration. For a belief in the promise of unchartered horizons, a passion for freedom, a lust for life (cut to scenes from some of Kirk's films). Ladies and gentlement, the recipient of this year's Screen Actor's Guild Life Achievement Award, Kirk Douglas (Dan walks Kirk to the stage where he thanks everyone, gives a speech and makes a joke about having made his first film ten years before Dan was even born.)