Elaine May Salutes Mike Nichols at the AFI Life Achievement Award - Extended Version

[@anjaplushenka5995]

*Elaine May deserves an AFI Lifetime Achievement Award for this speech alone.*

[@liagugushvili3017]

absolutely agree 👍

[@Agr8song]

correct!!!!

[@alisdairmckenzie22]

here here

[@neilmurphy7554]

Elaine May gives the greatest and funniest awards speech of all time!!!!!!

[@RaulAPinto]

"I took that letter, and a few other little things that Mike will never miss" 😂💀

[@andrewmasset8751]

There is a child like innocence that Elaine has that hits you like a hammer.

[@HappyPandaP]

"This is the second page" absolutely kills me and I can't quite explain why. Elaine May is a unique human being.

[@cockeyedoptimista]

She is hilarious! Elaine May. My goodness I cannot believe how funny she is! I'm crying with laughter, just like the audience.

[@MartinCanada]

Well, there's really no secret who wrote the telephone operator's line, "'K' as in Knife ... ," when spelling K-A-P-L-A-N in the famous Nichols & May "One Thin Dime" telephone sketch.

[@ivanmay7890]

Elaine May and Mike Nichols are the type of comedians who never made bad jokes or said anything that would offend America. Mike Nichols is dead now (he died in 2014), but Elaine May is still alive and still as funny.

[@Ashfanatic]

Has anyone else ever gotten a standing ovation for a speech at the AFI - that wasn't for the recipient? Incredible. Literate. Hysterical. wow

[@scribe570]

How often does physics humor go over with a Hollywood crowd?

[@NMC21887]

DeNiro got one for Scorsese's tribute. Betty White got a big one for Morgan Freeman's tribute as well.

[@kalmia01]

I have to come back here from time to time, and she never fails to amaze me and touch me❤

[@hibob418]

Whenever I get down, I watch this. Just on another level altogether.

[@michaelashworth4172]

Me too. It lifts my spirits . . .

[@AListPromo]

I kept waiting for the Yiddish word.

[@tarnopol]

hibob: that is literally why I'm here right now, rewatching it. :)

[@monicastonemft]

Me too!

[@beverlykristy7513]

Indeed. Humor like this is too intelligent for today's audiences.

[@marcochimio]

As a scientist, I LOVE the fact that she never dumbed down the science in that amazing story. Brava, Elaine.

[@cjcianci2695]

T

[@cjcianci2695]

T6

[@marcochimio]

@@cjcianci2695 Huh?

[@waynej2608]

'I don't want to, not be thematic '.. Lol Elaine is, indeed a national treasure. My go to film, when I need guaranteed laughs is always, A New Leaf. Timeless, just like Ms. May! 😍😃👍👏👏👏👏👏

[@jupru220]

I love that "A New Leaf," too. Brilliant.

[@martindonovan7587]

Elaine May is in a class of her own. Thank you Elaine, for everything.

[@jasonrubin5545]

"I don't know to whom it was written because it was the second page." Unbelievably brilliant.

[@independentfilmchannel1476]

This priceless clip illustrates not only what a truly brilliant comedic mind Elaine May has always possessed, but reminds us all of what we have been missing in an age so desperately bereft of genuinely creative wit. Where has this trailblazing genius of hers been keeping itself for so many years?

[@celadman]

Mike Nichols and Elaine May are the reasons I became a comedian. I sensed their greatness when I was only eight years old.

[@tmrezzek5728]

May's speech is brilliant and her final line is a killer. Nichols is laughing and crying through the whole thing since he and May first teamed up in Chicago with The Compass Players in the 1950's. Without Elaine May there would have been no Mike Nichols, and vice-versa.

[@hamsterdiving7593]

Elaine May. What a treasure. Still rockin' it at 92 in the industry... ❤

[@cockeyedoptimista]

92?!

[@AndrewRudin]

What bliss to encounter helpless laughter.

[@jpleo8622]

True! I have been watching this clip for years and I still laugh out loud.

[@tarnopol]

Same here. I literally just shared it with my high school friends so they, too, could laugh their asses off. She's a goddamn genius, and I always post this when some asshole writes that article (again) in which it's claimed that women can't be as funny as men. Yeah, right.

[@jimihendrix225]

Great observation Andrew

[@hammer44head]

I would bet there wasn't a single word printed on that paper, yes she is that good at improv, second to none. That was fantastic.

[@chesslerbooks]

In1962 I was in High School in Brooklyn and we used to get Two-Fer tickets to Broadway, two seats for a dollar or something crazy like that. I had a $2 a week allowance then I and had enough to take a date to Broadway. The show was An Evening with Mike Nichols and Elaine May. We had seen them on TV, but of course in the live theatre it was un-censored. So our innocent ears were treated to the most off the wall, hilarious, biting humor and commentary on life that we had ever heard. They were as off the wall as Elaine still is in this salute to Mike. I have watched some snippets of them now on YT, and of course it has lost it's bite, we have heard so much since then. Nothing is taboo. Like the joke the Aristocrats, everything now goes too far. What a treat it is to see Elaine again live and as spontaneous as she was 60 years ago. It also never crossed anybody's mind that their talent could meander into other areas, and keep us on our toes all these years.

[@gilliamben]

Now this is True Comedy-no crudeness, no expletives just a beautiful soul pouring out her gift of Comedy to another beautiful soul. Elaine May you are a national treasure and much needed in the times we are living in now.

[@marklennox2151]

...I'm with you Ben...rapid-fire profanity driven deliveries with audience members subjected to intimidation is so far away from true comedy that it's pathetic...

[@HBarnill]

Profane comedy can work. Chappelle, South Park, Richard Pryor prove it can be as effective as what we’ve seen here.

[@ellengrana7798]

I have watched this numerous times and each time I wish it would have gone on longer - what a storyteller with such wonderful humor. Wonderful, Elaine - you are such a terrific person and speaker.

[@tarnopol]

I imagine this was what it was like for Mark Twain's audiences -- similar dry style, too, to some extent.

[@RangerJohnreid]

This woman is some kind of genius!

[@mckavitt13]

Nora Ephron too. ❤❤

[@santafejack]

There's a reason Elaine May is so revered and her performance here is a good example.

[@backwardmen8090]

Elaine May gives the most intelligent, the most hysterical, and the most heartfelt speech I have ever heard. Brava!

[@jeffdawson2786]

I’m not sure Elaine realizes how hysterical she is. She just has an extremely high standard of comedy.

[@stephaniezimbalist3757]

of course she does

[@g-a-i-l-]

She knows

[@jackquinn5385]

She does. She is up there with Mel Brooks, Rodney, etc. She knows how great she is

[@TheChannelTV-bt8em]

There would have been no point to Nichols and May if she didn't realize it.

[@markwilliams3174]

Brilliantly written and delivered and well deserving of a standing ovation.

[@rhondafortson5205]

This WOMAN IS PHENOMENAL!! And, she & MIKE have accomplished great collaborations!

[@BigJohn6060]

"...because he had never achieved the combined field theory, and that's gotta be depressing." OMFG! TEARS!

[@niknik1961]

I have watched this clip so often it's almost embarassing.But it cheers me to know they remained friends all this time.They met decades ago when they were in their twenties.That my friends....is the most amazing part.

[@kalmia01]

Same. Agree 100%

[@DocBBomb]

I have too. I watch it over and over again. No need to be embarrassed.

[@eileeno2947]

Same. I was about to write that comment, but you already have.

[@michaelscampini1573]

I watch this and Nora Ephron's clip to make myself smile. Also, Nora Ephron's tribute to Meryl Streep also forces a smile. It is literally weekly for me because all these clips force a smile on me.

[@eileeno2947]

@@michaelscampini1573 thanks for the tip!

[@ddburrows988]

Her understated delivery is what makes this cockamamie story believable. She is one of my heroes.

[@keithmiath]

I just love watching this amazing talent perform her craft! And, Mike Nichols alternating between guffawing and crying is priceless!

[@taopearl2976]

Best speech I’ve ever heard. What an honor!

[@judd1157]

The greatest comedienne to never gain "widespread" fame. Such talent....

[@charliegroppetti]

Elaine May is simply brilliant! I watch this clip all the time- a master class on how to pay tribute.

[@VaBeachVA2010]

that was the best speech I have ever seen watching the AFIs... she is great :)

[@salarch]

MAYBE THE MOST CREATIVE, TOUCHING AND FUNNY SPEACH EVER WRITTEN.

[@jdhunter4989]

Elaine May is absolutely BRILLIANT here! I laughed until I nearly cried. She's also an amazing screenwriter, she wrote "The Birdcage," featuring Robin Williams, Dianne Wiest, Gene Hackman, Nathan Lane. Directed, of course, by Nichols. We love & miss you Mike! Shine on, my friend...your movies will entertain endless generations to come.

[@ATINKERER]

She is amazing!

[@jupru220]

My favorite is "A New Leaf."

[@AtlasBlizzard]

She wrote The Birdcage? No wonder that movie's comedy gold.

[@brad-mg7st]

I was struck by the audience shot of Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart. While everyone (including Harrison) is rolling on the floor laughing, Calista sits there with a smirk. Given that their paths crossed on Birdcage, I couldn't help but wonder if there is a story there.

[@michaelashworth4172]

I've watched this again and again. And again . . probably hadn't seen it for 8 months or so before watching it tonight. And every time I cry with laughter. Thank you, Elaine May.

[@lesgoe8908]

This is a perfect speech and presentation. There isn't one untrue or editable nanosecond in it. It is everything it should be and nothing else. Art like this sets its own rules as it enacts them. One will never see another speech this wise, hilarious, eloquent, and entertaining because every syllable; every pause and inflection; every look and gesture are creating the standards of perfection as they are achieving them. This is what genius art looks like.

[@pam0626]

I miss comedy like this. It unfolds slowly with jokes along the way.

[@marklennox2151]

Her timing is impeccable.

[@jameycarter9874]

I know this is waaaaay old, but try Mike Birbiglia.

[@vermont741]

Best tribute to Mike Nichols, if you ask me. Meryl’s pales in comparison.

[@pam0626]

@@vermont741 To be fair, Elaine is a professional screenwriter & comedian.

[@ziggersz4899]

​@@vermont741Meryl is supremely overrated. There's not many talented actresses now, so she fell into top dog slot by default. She appears so phony when receiving accolades because deep down she knows she is unworthy. See? She's not that good an actress.

[@kalmia01]

Astounding. Dear Elaine May, thank you for these 7 minutes or so, that make us all feeling as these two kids on that train, suspended in time. Not only Mike, but also Igor's cousin, no doubt, would be so proud of you💗

[@alikhalifeh9139]

A well deserved standing ovation to a legend, she's incredible ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@hibob418]

National treasure Elaine May uncorks one for longtime partner Mike Nichols. If only the people who are (soon to be) running our country could be as intelligent and witty. Thanks for posting

[@akbar41]

I hope people continue to discover this clip. This presentation made me well up a little bit just because of its brilliance.

[@AListPromo]

Wow! We don’t see speeches like this anymore. Brilliant

[@pinkiefrancisco]

The brilliance of Elaine May...

[@ordinarypeople20]

While we are focusing on the amazing Elaine May here, I want to say that I have watched all her movies, and almost all of them are genius level. She is underrated as a director.

[@kewkabe]

Such wit, and perfect comedic timing. This should be the reference video for all public speaking classes.

[@frannyzooey11]

"Nice shoes." I love Ms. May.

[@thomassimmons1950]

MY GOD HOW I LOVE THIS WOMAN !!!

[@jacopomonteverdi]

Best, funniest tribute speech ever.

[@frannyzooey11]

"Nice shoes." Ms. May is wonderful. I love her.

[@dannydoc1969]

She is brilliant. We need more people like her.

[@newyork.10023]

What everyone is trying to capture in their comments, but none has quite yet said, is, "Perfect.". This is absolute perfection. The flow, the structure, the digressions, the theme, the humor, the..., the..., it is absolutely, completely perfect. You would not, could not, remove a single note.

[@deeg8849]

She utterly went for it with something that with the wrong audience could fail, but brilliance takes risks. Love EM

[@peterweisz42]

Elaine May's cerebral humor has been making me laugh deeply since the 1960s, but when she says: "...and that's gotta be depressing." in connection with Albert Einstein....I pissed myself. A true national treasure.

[@ATINKERER]

That woman is BRILLIANT! I don't think there is anyone alive today who can even come close to her comedic ability. Her writing of that speech, her delivery, and every move she makes is just comedy genius! Wow!

[@theolamp5312]

Elaine May hadn't lost a step. This made me go back to watch some of her routines with Mike. Nichols & May, Bob Newhart, Burns & Allen, & Jonathan Winters - all timeless.

[@jade7163]

This separates the adults in the crowd from the children in terms of who is laughing at the brilliant hilarity, and who is just sitting there. Genius.

[@ziggersz4899]

Cue Calista Flockhart.

[@bartman898]

I feel like my life has big hole that wasn't filled by Elaine May's humor.

[@RUGCAB]

Loved this. Laughed out loud at a speech. Thats a first.

[@MC-wc8mi]

Best damn speech I've ever heard. She is just - wow!

[@janetclaireSays]

I can't watch this too many times.

[@nancyc.urrasio79]

WHAT CAN ONE SAY -A REAL COMIC GENIUS/WRITER/WOMAN! ADORE HER!

[@DaveLL500]

This was less a speech than it was an artistic performance of pure genius. Mike Nichols actually was a distant cousin to Einstein on his mother's side and May describes relativity accurately which is why she's so brilliantly funny. Einstein's got nothin' on this lady.

[@jeffcampbell2400]

I so needed this. Thank you so very much.

[@conradinhawaii7856]

Never watch this in a coffee shop, because people around you wonder why you're laughing and crying at the same time! 😂

[@nmpuna1013]

WOW...what a lady!

[@sifatshams1113]

This woman has made 2 extremely underrated films which are among my favorites of all time: The Heartbreak Kid (1972) and Mikey and Nicky (1976).

[@daledavidson8242]

She continually reduced Mike to tears for 60 years. Lucky guy.

[@piustwelfth]

There's a video clip on youtube of Mike and Elaine as the special mystery guest on What's My Line -- 50 years before this night!

[@PaullyMiller]

She's so amazing. Best speech ever.

[@suzyflorida1193]

Elaine and Mike, years ago, achieved the combined comedy theory. Elaine achieved it again here. The one and only Elaine May.

[@rockinshoes1]

I wish someone would do a movie about Mike and Elaine while there are still enough people around who would appreciate it.

[@thankyouforyourcompliance7386]

Wow. This is hillariously funny. What a great and witty personality.

[@alanwilhite7034]

And that is a talented class act. Unsurpassed in her craft

[@juji0103]

This is just so great! Bravissimo, Elaine!

[@corgeousgeorge]

She is just SO good, I was recently introduced to her work by an older friend of mine and I'm so impressed with her and Mike Nichols and their comedy as a duo was so ahead of its time.

[@deborah8618]

Elaine May is ! One in a million

[@rayb.868]

Classy, intelligent,funny thank you

[@stevemcdonald1033]

She was 78 when this appearance took place and still looked and sounded like a young woman. She is truly a national treasure. She owned the audience, with what seemed like effortless and subtle inside jokes. She and Mike always took for granted that their audiences would catch on to this sort of humor and they were right.

[@deb8183]

This was hysterical. Well done.

[@radiomassacre2020]

That is the best speech I've ever heard, and I've made some incredible speeches.

[@nickpetrillo]

radiomassacre2020 yeah you’re a real pro

[@stevemussman4119]

I had the privilege of being Elaine May’s First Assistant Director on A NEW LEAF for Paramount which Elaine not only starred in along with Walter Matthau but also Directed. A brilliant power-house of a woman. Learned so much from Elaine!!! Am so very grateful to her!!! She encouraged me to become an actor. Now, Barbra Streisand and I have become a first rate ACT. Thank God!!! Steve Mussman and Barbra Streisand together forever!!! Members: SAG-AFTRA, DGA.

[@johnryan3913]

Hey Steve let's start a campaign to get Criterion to issue an expansive edition of A NEW LEAF.

[@anthonyaustin3370]

Steve, A New Leaf is my favorite film, ever. Do you recall where in Jamaica the honeymoon sequences were shot? I’ve been trying to find the answer to this for years!

[@pam0626]

Reaching into her chest, “I just don’t want to take out the wrong thing...” Brilliant.

[@thomgunn5279]

Actually, that's not what Albert Einstein thought. What he thought was "If I was on a train with Elaine May, going the same place at the same speed, we could have studied the combined field theory in the Pullman. When you are with Elaine, you forget everyone else..."

[@ramonovski2]

a beautiful story-teller. Thanks

[@rr7firefly]

Have always adored this lovely and intelligent woman. After first watching her in the 1971 movie "A New Leaf," I wanted to bring her home with me and look after her forever. I think I'd do anything for her.

[@Brumus76]

Anytime or anywhere, she is 1 in 300 million many times over.

[@donmargolis]

Thanx, Noe, for writing my comment for me.

[@Ma_Ba]

She is on Broadway in a play autumn 2018! And Nichols and May did improv scenes together. Some videos on You Tube. I like the "water cooler" one. I think they appeared on Carson or Ed Sullivan or where?

[@marklennox2151]

I saw the movie a few months ago and it was an excellent dark comedy. There were so many movies that didn't do well at the box office but got great reviews and this one has a 100% rating on rotten tomatoes...people who see it love it...

[@be-happy]

We have the same reaction to her in that role. It's my all time favorite movie. She is amazing.

[@8jbird]

Gosh I just love this woman. So funny and smart. I am waiting for her to release HER 180 minute version of "A New Leaf" with a voice-over. She was wonderful in that. She is wonderful in everything.

[@HBarnill]

#ReleaseTheMayCut

[@margaretstern2018]

Loved them so much. Hysterical

[@john-paulmichelangelo5180]

Amazingly intelligent side-splitting humor that is a wonder to behold that's Mike Nichols' legacy, no wait a minute, I meant Elaine May's sophisicated take on the world; I've got an idea: how about putting both on the stage at the same time? Now that would be really something special. I'm 70 years old and can remember them performing on: "The Ed Sullivan Show" when I was a sub-teenager and missing half their jokes but even I knew what power they both had to manipulate the English Language to high comic effect. Brilliant is an overused adjective, but it applies here.

[@michaelscampini1573]

Anyone else could not do this. Amazingly intelligent humor.

[@308W82]

This is the single funniest tribute presented at ANY awards show! If you haven't seen two brilliant films she directed -- I HIGHLY recommend "The Heartbreak Kid" -- the 1972 version, (not the wretched Ben Stiller remake) and "A New Leaf" featuring her and Walter Matthau -- both delightful, charming and enormously quirky -- just like her AFI tribute to Mike Nichols!!

[@tarnopol]

Don't forget Mikey and Nicky; just saw it for the first time. Devastating.

[@davidunderwood7621]

Elaine May is so creative & original, it would be very difficult to find a smarter or funnier person!!

[@barrymiller99]

Marvelous, even brilliant speech.

[@jhyacinth]

Could she possibly be the funniest woman who's ever lived?

[@briannumme9337]

Safe Sailing yes!!!

[@michaelashworth4172]

@@briannumme9337 Funniest person (not funniest woman). In the UK (where I'm from there are a couple of writers who are up really there: but a) they're blokes and b) they're just not in the same league as Elaine May. Pure genius and this speech has to be the funniest - and most beautifully crafted - speech I have ever heard.

[@lauralunaazul]

And smartest too

[@lauralunaazul]

Yes

[@marklennox2151]

Absolutely...and if you read the details of her very young life you can understand her sheer professionalism...

[@marcomoreno3071]

Amazing. I heard about this team on a book that was written about Mr. Nichols. One of my top three movies is the Graduate. I wanted to buy one of those Italian tin can sport cars. Thank goodness I never found one i could afford. Both had amazing wits and a wonderful sense of timing. Thank you both.

[@brosans1868]

it is the same dress she wore at the kennedy cntr honors in 2003!!! wonderfully imaginative ELAINE!

[@bduhe219]

i still watch my copy of A NEW LEAF at times, and love it today a si did when i first watched it. i love her!

[@kinsmed]

You feel, a little bit, like you watched history happen there.