Highlights
Honoring Satyajit Ray’s Exceptional Legacy: Remembering His Historic Oscar Win and Untimely Departure, A Birthday Tribute to Sole Indian Recipient, Who Passed Away Just 23 Days Later.
The Legacy of India’s Oscar-Winning Filmmaker
Satyajit Ray Birthday : Today marks the 104th birth anniversary of the renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray, whose contributions carved a unique identity for Indian cinema worldwide. While the Oscars, the highest honor in filmmaking, are typically bestowed upon American filmmakers in Hollywood, Satyajit Ray, a celebrated Indian director, received special recognition. At the 64th Academy Awards in 1992, Ray was presented with an Honorary Award, akin to a Lifetime Achievement Award in India.
Satyajit Ray‘s Oscar win was historic as he became the first Indian to be honored in this category. However, due to his ailing health, Ray couldn’t attend the ceremony in person. Hospitalized in Kolkata at the time, he was unable to travel to Los Angeles. Nonetheless, a heartfelt video message from Ray was played at the Dolby Theatre, and the announcement of his award was made by actor Audrey Hepburn.
Satyajit Ray’s acknowledgment speech
Satyajit Ray is seen giving a speech while lying on the bed and during this time the Golden Oscar trophy is seen in his hands. ‘It is an extraordinary experience for me to be here tonight to receive this wonderful award, which is certainly the best achievement of my filmmaking career,’ said the visionary filmmaker.
Ray passed away just 23 days after receiving the award
In the year 1992, this ceremony was held on 30 March, and less than a month later, on 23 April, Satyajit Ray died in Kolkata at the age of 70. To date, Satyajit Ray is the only Indian to be honoured with the Honourary Oscar award. Ray is known as one of the finest filmmakers in the world and in his long career he made many great films like ‘Pather Panchali’, ‘Charulata‘, ‘Mahanagar’, ‘Sonar Kela’, ‘Shatranj Ke Khiladi’.
