WHEN A FILMMAKER RECEIVED THE OSCAR ON HIS DEATHBED

Satyajit Ray is known as one of the finest filmmakers in the world. He is remembered for his films like Pather Panchali and Charulata and to date, Ray is the only Indian to have been honoured with an Honorary Award by the Oscars. However, he received his award and gave his speech from his bed - only one month before he passed away. Who was this legend? And what makes him distinguished?

Satyajit Ray. Image source - IndieWire

Satyajit Ray had always been known as a master of his craft. He was a filmmaker who made over 30 films, mostly Bengali, with a deeply humanistic approach towards cinema. He has been known to create some of the greatest films in the history of Indian cinema - which includes his masterpieces such as Pather Panchali. His crafts were widely lauded by film critics - both in India and abroad. He, and his films, won numerous awards and accolades. One such iconic award was none other than the prestigious Oscars. The story behind how he got the award is also one of a kind.

In 1992, Ray was honoured by the Oscars at the 64th Academy Awards. He had won the distinguished Honorary Award. However, Ray could not be there in person to collect his award in person, owing to his ill health. He had heart and lung ailments.

At the time of the awards ceremony, Satyajit Ray was lying in a hospital bed in Kolkata, unable to attend the ceremony in person. However, a video message from the legendary filmmaker was played at the ceremony.

Image Source: Youtube

In the video, Satyajit Ray can be seen lying in his hospital bed, clutching his Oscar statuette tightly in his hand. Audrey Hepburn, who presented the award, described Ray's work as a "rare mastery of the art of motion pictures and his profound humanism which has had an indelible influence on filmmakers and audiences throughout the world." And indeed it was true.

Ray's work had indeed touched many lives. His impact on the world of cinema was immeasurable.

Satyajit Ray's films were known for their realism, social commentary, and sensitive portrayal of the human condition. Satyajit Ray was born on May 2, 1921, in an - affluent family in Calcutta, India. His grandfather, Upendrakishore Ray was a distinguished writer, painter, violin player and composer. The success of Pather Panchali, his first hit movie, gave Ray total control over his subsequent films. What followed then was a long career as a world-class filmmaker. Until 1981, he would make a feature film every year.

He thanked the Academy for the honour, describing it as the best achievement of his moviemaking career.

"For a filmmaker, an Oscar is like a Nobel Prize, you know. So I am very happy... delighted. There is nothing more after this. I cannot hope to get anything more prestigious." says Ray. 

To date, as I am writing this, he is the only Indian filmmaker that received the Honorary Award from the Oscars.

He was a true auteur - who knew and controlled many aspects of filmmaking, and his style was, quite interestingly, not noticeable. This was something that set him apart from other filmmakers - He believed that the best technique of filmmaking was one that did not draw attention to its style, but rather focused on the contents. He made almost sure that the content and story of the movie doesn't get hindered by the apparent style of the cinematography. And while his work remain unnoticed, he got the recognition nonetheless.

Sadly, Satyajit Ray passed away less than a month after the ceremony, on April 23, 1992, at the age of 70. He had left behind a legacy that would continue to inspire generations of filmmakers to come.

Satyajit Ray's impact on the world of cinema cannot be overstated. He was a true master of his craft, and his films continue to inspire and move audiences to this day. The fact that he was honoured with an Honorary Award on his deathbed is a testament to his genius and the impact he had on the world of cinema. This legend received many awards and recognition - even till the end of his lifetime.