NEW YORK (AP) — On Wednesday evening, the Museum of Modern Art came alive with laughter and heartfelt tributes as friends and family gathered to celebrate the remarkable career of actor and director Samuel L. Jackson during the annual film benefit. The event showcased not only Jackson’s impressive body of work filled with unforgettable characters and iconic one-liners but also the deep affection those closest to him feel for his achievements.
Jackson, who has captivated audiences with his signature F-bombs, chose to deliver a heartfelt speech at the benefit. He expressed gratitude for the diverse array of roles he has played over the years. “I’ve been fortunate enough to portray a wide array of characters from whom I’ve learned something precious about the human experience,” he reflected. “I always carry a piece of them with me as I move forward.”
At 75, Jackson boasts a prolific Hollywood legacy spanning 40 years. He is widely recognized for his powerful performances in explosive blockbusters, portraying memorable roles such as Mace Windu in “Star Wars” and Nick Fury in the Marvel franchise. Jackson’s work with renowned director Quentin Tarantino includes the infamous Jules in “Pulp Fiction” and Ordell in “Django Unchained.” His remarkable versatility and ability to immerse himself in different characters have solidified his status as a movie star.
Beyond his film work, Jackson has also made significant contributions to theater. He portrayed Martin Luther King Jr. in “The Mountaintop” and Doaker Charles in “Piano Lesson,” showcasing his talent on Broadway as well.
The benefit featured heartfelt speeches from an intimate circle of Jackson’s loved ones, including his wife LaTanya Richardson Jackson, who lightheartedly shared her initial skepticism about his acting talent. “I questioned his abilities until I saw him in ‘Pulp Fiction’,” she admitted. “I cried in the theater and thought, ‘My life is over; he’s going to be a movie star.’” Before pursuing acting, she revealed that Jackson had originally studied marine biology.
Longtime friend and actor Denzel Washington celebrated over 45 years of friendship with Jackson, recalling their first collaboration in 1979. Washington has recently produced a Netflix adaptation of August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson,” which stars Jackson. He fondly remembered learning from Jackson as an understudy in a play, stating, “I wish I were half the character actor that he is.”
Filmmaker Spike Lee recounted his first encounter with Jackson and Richardson during their college years and emphasized their exceptional talent, ultimately casting Jackson in several of his films, including “Jungle Fever,” “Do the Right Thing,” and “Chi-Raq.” “I knew that, God willing, I would become a filmmaker, and these great artists would be in my films,” he remarked.
Messages of admiration also came from actress Brie Larson and filmmaker George Lucas, both of whom sent video tributes praising Jackson’s extensive career and warm personality. Other speakers at the event included Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon and actor Walton Goggins, who humorously sprinkled in some of Jackson’s famous expletives while expressing their appreciation.
As the latest honoree at MoMA’s film benefit, Jackson joins an esteemed list of past recipients, including Martin Scorsese, Tom Hanks, Julianne Moore, Cate Blanchett, and Quentin Tarantino. The 16th annual benefit, presented in partnership with Chanel, serves to raise funds for the museum’s efforts to preserve and showcase significant films.
In his closing remarks, Jackson emphasized the profound impact of film: “As we come together to celebrate cinema tonight, let us remember its extraordinary ability to change lives and inspire future generations. The preservation of films like those that fueled the dreams of a young black boy in a segregated Tennessee theater is crucial,” he said. “I stand before you now as a testament to that dream.”
