In a special 90-minute program at the film academy's
Samuel Goldwyn Theater, director and producer Richard Donner was honored for his noteworthy career redefining works, including 1978's
Superman and 1987's
Lethal Weapon.
Among the numerous stars and directors paying tribute, were two comic book movie kingpins,
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and
DC Films co-chair Geoff Johns. Both got their start at
The Donners' Company, the production company Richard starting with his wife, noted
X-Men producer Lauren Shuler Donner.
During their turn to speak, Feige remarked, "
Superman, the movie is still, to this day, the archetype of the perfect superhero film origin story. I hope you don't bemoan the fact that that film has inspired all of these movies."
When it was finally Donner's turn to speak, he commented with his respect to all his former stars and collaborators in attendance that, "
They changed my life; I didn't change theirs."