Astronaut Jim Lovell Speaks At Tom Hanks AFI Life Achievement Award

Jim Lovell, the real Captain of Apollo 13, speaks at the AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute To Tom Hanks.
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[@Mr.Tin_88]

Tom Hanks saying "OH MY GOD" at the beggining was truly priceless

[@Octolicia]

And then ''OH NAH''

[@bontronblock]

Bunch of douchebags being ultra douchey.

[@Hal09i]

Yes it was! I've been trying to figure out what Bill Paxton says but haven't had any luck yet in reading his lips.

[@RTG1031]

Also standing up for him

[@Nirsterkur]

Gives me goosebumps even on the 184th time I'm watching!

[@robechagarrua171]

I love how Tom Hanks actually gets star struck when Jim Lovell walks in. Gives me goosebumps every time. That salute was genuine. Apollo 13 has been one of my favorite movies since I was 8 years old.

[@Dan-ys8nk]

Everyone should be standing for Captain Jim Lovell. He's an American hero.

[@MarshallLore]

more than that he's a hero to all humanity

[@HellStr82]

@@MarshallLore why is that? what the fuq would an n.korean or an iranian or some somali who dies of hunger think this man is a hero? the fuq is wrong with you

[@MarshallLore]

@@HellStr82 ah you must be one of those incels ive heard about

[@ertorolrahmadow95]

He is german not american

[@pleasepermitmetospeakohgre1504]

Lovell's an actor, he never went to the moon.

[@TileGuyJesse]

That exchange of salutes brought tears to my eyes. Wow.

[@Mr.Tin_88]

Jim Lovell, a true and underrated American Hero

[@Nirsterkur]

Same here! ❤️❤️

[@FriendofRamblinJack]

The entire room should have been standing. Commander Lovell IS an aspiring and inspiring hero. At least Hanks stood up.

[@mem1701movies]

Yeah...that was a pretty lackluster reception...at least Tom Hanks is a class act.

[@honestdix6697]

+FriendofRamblinJack That was pose mirror of Jim Lovell's salute.

[@Alnilam47]

Yes, everyone should stand up, it was strange they didn't.

[@jeffreyhinkel3490]

They're all liberals/feminists/hoaxer's....All in denial of self-evident truth .

[@jeffreyhinkel3490]

They're all liberals/feminists/hoaxer's ...

[@SGTBizarro]

Holy shit, this man is a legend, a LEGEND, yet nobody but Tom bothers to stand...

[@SGTBizarro]

***** Get your head out of the microwave.

[@larrygilbert7273]

That was one sovereign recognizing another.

[@GJ71642]

SGTBizarro in my opinion. When only Tom stood up. It felt like a movie moment

[@jeffreyhinkel3490]

Feminism/PC .People are saving the standing ovations for women ....Going to be a long time .

[@jeffreyhinkel3490]

Or a woman .

[@daynajmiller]

Jim Lovell actually appears in Apollo 13. When the space capsule is picked up and Tom Hanks is welcomed back on board aircraft carrier, Jim Lovell plays the Captain of the ship who salutes him as he boards the ship. Just a piece of movie trivia for you.

[@ghost.protocol]

+Dayna Miller Didn't know that... thanks !!

[@natkeller1653]

Add on piece of trivia: the filmmakers wanted him to be an admiral in that shot, but he told them since he never was an admiral, and retired from the Navy a captain, that's what he was going to be.

[@grimesjon1]

Nice! Will have to check that out. Cant believe I never noticed it

[@frankney8284]

And he dug out his own uniform for it.

[@PetrolPatrol]

I thought that was him!

[@robert4you]

How come only Tom Hanks stands up? Everybody in the audience should rise to a living hero. Actors can be so darn self-absorbed sometimes.

[@michaelkarnerfors9545]

It wouldn't surprise me that it's in the invitation for the gala, or if it's told to the guests: "you only stand for the guest of honor". And this is for the simple reason that this is *Tom's* night. Jim Lovell has been - rightfully - honored over and over again for his tremendous effort. He is humble enough a guy not to need to also leech on the only evening in the history of time that is entirely dedicated to Tom.

[@cazia9]

Michael Karnerfors right - it's not Jim coming onto the stage for his own award acceptance...plus why focus on that part instead of how he speaks so well of Tom in a very sincere non-ass-kissing way?

[@burningjoe]

if you wathced all these clips of Tom's AFI award show, the entire audience did stand for Babe and Bill, two of the real Band of Brothers.

[@MrHartApart]

most actors/actresses are super self involved people... thats why they act so good... but in that moment i think it was an honor moment between tom and jim.

[@cazia9]

i agree - tom has a great respect for the veterans of WWII and of the space program in the era of the Apollo missions and to have the real person tell him that he felt his story was given proper justice was a moment between just them

[@samename1st]

This is why Tom Hanks is my favorite actors. A star being star struck, by a man such as Lovell who has done more to merit the admiration we so freely give to those on a screen.

[@fever_spike]

The fact that Tom was the only one that gave Lovell a standing ovation breaks my heart…that man deserved better. The entire room should’ve been on its feet.

[@juliechase2047]

Yabut that's dull wood!

[@nsmithmma45]

the look on Toms face when jim lovell comes out is priceless. I agree the entire room should have stood up for this man. atleast tom stood up. he's said countless times how much admiration he has for lovell and the apollo astronauts. would be an honor to meet him

[@Nimgimmer1492]

+nicholas smith I was lucky enough to meet Lovell once. Little guy, but one tough sonuvagun. Was totally tongue-tied in his presence.

[@ryanmason9320]

Most Navy pilots and astronauts were on the shorter side. It's tough to fit in a capsule and maneuver around when you're really tall...75 inches is actually the astronaut height limit but most in the Gemini/Apollo era were way shorter than that.

[@johnmcmunn5698]

I got a chance to meet both Jim and Marilyn at Kennedy Space Center around 2009. Have a great time talking with them. Very down to earth people despite the star status that they have. Couldn’t have asked for a better moment. Jim Lovell, an American hero!

[@boston905]

I agree ~ Captain Lovell should have received a standing ovation. He's a hero in every sense of the word.

[@Mr.Tin_88]

A true and underrated American Hero

[@boston905]

The man is a legend in every sense of the word. The only letter I have every written to a celebrated person was to Captain Jim Lovell. It was after viewing this video. I just felt so exasperated that the entire audience hadn’t honored him with a standing ovation. I expressed to him my admiration for his accomplishments and bravery during a career devoted to service to America. AND HE WROTE ME BACK!!!! I was shocked that he had taken the time to respond. A truly humble reply which of course speaks to what a genuine, unpretentious person he is. A true American hero.

[@HellStr82]

national hero for you yes... most of the world does not give a fuck about him or your space program. tell it to a somali who dies of hunger that the man is a hero and see what happens. actually tell it to some US citizen who is homeless because he had to pay medical bills and see if he gives a shit

[@pleasepermitmetospeakohgre1504]

The guy's an actor, I don't believe he went to the moon.

[@davros_adl8155]

@@pleasepermitmetospeakohgre1504 title checks out

[@BuckySwang]

I love the look on Tom's face as they announce Lovell's name, he looks so honored.

[@noirjacques3274]

If ever there was an example of genuine star-struck Awe on a person’s face, Tom Hanks (very naturally and beautifully) showed it. You really see how humbled he is to be in the presence of Jim Lovell. Great clip👍

[@CatieCass]

Jim Lovell...what a gentleman. From what I heard, one of the nicest guys ever.

[@billolsen4360]

Nasa never scraped the bottom of the barrel when they picked astronauts, always top-drawer people

[@k1productions87]

@@billolsen4360 Though oftentimes they had very strong personalities, as many Test Pilots do. Those original Mercury 7 were very colorful characters indeed. I just wish schools spent more time teaching about them. But oftentimes the only names anyone remembers are Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and John Glenn

[@WORLD8NSH5KNIGHT1]

A great astronaut paying tribute to a great actor - and vice versa More people should have stood. Hanks has class

[@ginnymessina6582]

I vividly remember the Apollo program, and especially Apollo 13. We were on the edge of our seats waiting for splashdown. When 3 minutes passed and nothing. 4 minutes passed, nothing. And then we heard the heavenly voice of one of the 3 astronauts. Absolute pandemonium in the room of about 50 people. We all stood up, and cheered, cried and bawled like babies, thanking God that he bought our guys back home by giving Houston the wisdom to figure out how to do it. Our teacher prayed. SoDidWe

[@rskypuppy2000]

Ginny Messina, My father, made sure we were in front of our black and white television, in Tyler, Texas, to make sure we saw history in the making. I remember how my father had tears in his eyes. I remember how my father told us to remember that the USA was the greatest nation ever on the Earth. My father was a Navy man, I was a 24 year Army man. I still carry the love of this great country that my father taught me.

[@bt6joso]

I'm sure engineers did also something for them...

[@rcnut5112]

God had a hand in getting them home

[@JR-zv6qm]

Capt. Lovell is a national treasure - great man. A brave man, as were all the men that flew to the moon.

[@Ronf465]

Lovell: Houston, this is thirteen, we have an obnoxious Hollywood crowd. Except for one man! Tom Hanks!

[@RightCenterBack321]

What a moment this must've been. Just look at Tom Hanks' face. And then he stands and they look at each other. Goodness!

[@MrTafyism]

i swear to god as soon as they said jim lovell, i said "oh my god" the same time tom hanks did lol

[@truthbydesign5146]

That almost looked like genuine surprise. I wonder if he wasn't aware that Jim was going to be there giving the tribute?

[@laurathornton1456]

I did too.

[@ryanknapp8248]

The look on Tom's face says it all. It's the same look I have when I meet men like CMDR. Jim Lovell. A look of pure glee and unbridled respect.

[@mauricedyer6842]

If only I was born with a) the dignity of Tom and b) the courage and skill of Jim. Two of my favourite all time stars.

[@ColonelMarcellus]

Hanks at the announcement: "Oh my God". You can see the respect Hanks has for Captain Lovell.

[@JosipMiller]

Most respectable astronaut and most respectable actor. Real greatness.

[@TheRipperxX9]

Badass is the only definition suitable for these guys. Real life heroes. The whole room should’ve been standing just for having Jim Lovell in front of them.

[@lonmcq7317]

I thought so too... Really disrespectful...

[@cazia9]

I love how completely floored Tom is when Cmdr Lovell is introduced, and then Cmdr Lovell is all googly bc he was portrayed by Tom Hanks on film...a perfect symbiosis of admiration

[@Gumikrukon]

Wow! Jim has got charisma!

[@richardgallerani8817]

The look on Hanks face and the mouthing "oh my god !!!" Is priceless.

[@Sherpaful]

I'm really impressed with how well spoken Jim Lovell is.

[@gianniveeful]

Tom Hanks acted it superbly, Jim Lovell lived it for real... I think in handing out an award, here we see the gold saluting the silver... Tom is the best actor ever perhaps, Jim Lovell is a national Hero, and made it look easy. We are losing them now, Scott Carpenter, Neil Armstrong, Gordon Cooper, Alan Shepherd, soon John Glenn, never forget when you look at a movie about it, how hard it was for those actors to interpret what the real Heroes had to do. Amen, thank you Jesus!!!

[@bethany8479]

Giannivee Vee I happen to stumble of this video today and saw your comment. So very true how these men are our true hero's and how we are losing them, such as John Glenn just a day ago.

[@Octolicia]

We also lost Jack Swigert...

[@astrofan1993]

Jim Lovell is an absolutely amazing man. I was so lucky to meet him a few years before this video (around 2007) at his former fine dining restaurant in Lake Forest, Illinois. I was already a fan of his to begin with due to being a huge fan of NASA and the Apollo 13 movie, so to meet a personal idol of mine was magical.

[@MrNatyraist]

Tom’s reaction is amazing❤️

[@bludevils0555]

i love tom for standing. he is so adorably sincere i love it

[@joey8062]

this made me tear up, hope we have more space heroes to make.

[@ptcreations8947]

Tom Hanks reaction when they announced Commander Lovell's name was just... so endearing. Why we love him.

[@stilgardragonclaw5834]

I am proud that I am Czech. ;-) Jim Lovell and Eugene Cernan, my heroes.

[@jshepard152]

Stilgar Dragonclaw Good taste in heroes.

[@Brave_Aviator]

Jim Lovell still looked soo young! Such as a nice man

[@Evyscreations]

The look on Tom's face ❤❤❤

[@terman03]

RIP Bill Paxton!

[@mumtaz1977]

I watched only the first 27sec 10 times. Hillarious. And both legends take a respectfull warm smile to other. And this moment is say everything without any words.

[@olentangy74]

Tom Hanks, star struck!

[@Skybolter]

I admire Tom & Jim loveel, both are AMAZING, I salute them.

[@timburns7491]

Tom was truly in awe to see him there. So much respect from Tom. Everyone in that room should have stood. Mr. Lovell you are a Hero and inspiration. 🙏

[@davidcarrero7848]

From Jim himself..what an honor.

[@edbouwman1385]

Great astronaut, great American, respect for Jim Lovell!

[@robertsnyder2252]

I believe I saw an extended version of the video; and at the end of Captain Lovell's presentation, the audience did stand to recognize him. Should they have stood at the beginning? I personally felt it was a private moment between Tom and the Captain. BTW, most folks may not know this, but in the Navy and Coast Guard, a "Captain" is an 0-6; whereas in the other services, a Captain is an 0-3. Retired military (enlisted and commissioned) here.

[@TheGroundedAviator]

And most guys like him can't stand it all anyway, makes them feel being sucked up too.

[@ahanachauhan1210]

That exchange of salutes 😭😭😭😭 , i cried man i cried

[@tonychan8558]

You know you've won in life when Tom Hanks is honoured by your presence! Captain Lovell, you are a true legend!

[@pedrodiaz5540]

He is the man , long live commander Lovell.

[@ahanachauhan1210]

Damn , this speech still gives me body cramps 😭😭😭😭. , O my GOD ,just imagine their situation in apollo 13 in 1970s 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@zulawoo]

totally love how how amazed tom is, love that guy

[@DivineSimply]

That's Jim's wife Marilyn Lovell at :25. Still madly in love with her husband.

[@mthivier]

Marilyn is still beautiful too.

[@kingofthings7929]

They’re one of the few couples from that era of NASA to stay together long term.

[@k1productions87]

@@kingofthings7929 I believe the only other marriage from the Gemini class to survive the space program was Frank and Susan Borman. He is also one of the few who is still alive as well.

[@barbaragribbon]

You should hear her in the BBC podcast 13 minutes to the Moon season I. They have a recording of her calling NASA the morning after the explosion on 13. Ken Mattingly is giving her the party line that they've done the course correction and are on a free trajectory back to Earth, and she comes back with: 'What engine did they use? Was it the LEM?' She knows their contingencies as well as they do, and knows what that means.

[@demianzyszkowicz6768]

This is epic, unique!!! Respect to the american people!!!

[@krishnakaraokezone8555]

Jim Lovell - What a great man... Humble, self-confident, cheerful and have a great positive attitude.

[@ThePopcornFairy]

This remains, to this day, one of the purest things I've ever seen.

[@PRR5406]

One of our national treasures from Americas greatest era. God love you, Jim Lovell.

[@melissaupton2097]

AFI did such an extraordinary job of bringing all of these people from Tom's life here to show their love and appreciation. Bravo, AFI... I give YOU a standing ovation!

[@XxLightbladexX1]

Oh dear gosh, my heart. This was so beautiful!

[@heros2110]

About the hoax people, i wish to quote Eugene Cernan: "Truth needs no defense. Nobody, nobody can ever take those footsteps i made on the moon away from me". Period.

[@You.Tube.Sucks.]

Great quote. Those of us who use KZbin to relive the Apollo program should heed Gene Cernan's advice by not engaging with the conspiracy theorists here on YT. There is no point; it only fuels the trolls. Can't say I didn't enjoy seeing Buzz Aldrin punch a conspiracy theorist one time though... 👊😂

[@jshepard152]

Cernan was a great guy.

[@cyberneticbutterfly8506]

@Roy G Biv And if they want free speech they are free to make their own youtube or publish a book, nobody prevents them to spread their ideas into society.

[@keithwilson1554]

@@cyberneticbutterfly8506 It should read, "nobody prevents them to spread their Idiocy into society"

[@pleasepermitmetospeakohgre1504]

Neil Armstrong had far more integrity and found the whole thing a burden to live with. But he was beginning to 'talk', albeit cryptically, when he spoke about "removing truth's protective layers"

[@mofo7689]

After his accomplishments, Captain Lovell should always be greeted with everyone on their feet, applauding or otherwise. Nobody has been able to match his character.

[@ADAMSMASHRR]

The mutual respect between these two men is inspiring.

[@ADHDTeenager]

The only person to show any signs of respect. Even today we clap and people thing that a sign of respect you should be on your feet and giving him the respect he deserves

[@Andybucker]

I respect those two men so much! Thanks for uploading!

[@quarf53206]

I thought it was very very very admirable of Jim Lovell the stance he took on doing a cameo in Apollo 13. on how he offered to be the admiral of the Iwo Jima at the end of the film but he said I Retired a Captain a Captain I will be

[@caravaggio31]

When Jim Lovell enters a place, actors, actresses, directors, producers and all the bunch of oscar winners must rise to him. Period.

[@julieoakman761]

My heart breaks he never got to the moon but the whole true story is astounding. Getting these guys home was unfathomable. But they did it.

[@cazia9]

Apollo 13 is considered ‘NASA’s most successful failure’ in that they didn’t achieve the objective of the mission but when things went to hell on a fast pass, they got their astronauts home safely

[@jetfueljp4]

kneel before capt. Lovell. great man.

[@igorflexus9493]

I don`t blame Hanks for being really proud there!

[@gcHK47]

Tom wanted to be an astronaut as a boy, so playing Jim Lovell, and knowing the real Jim Lovell, means a whole lot to him.

[@sammysainz5]

I wish Captain Lovell would speak at my graduation😂😂

[@AppalachianCryptidDoge]

Lovell is quite a talented public speaker. That's what a real American hero looks like.

[@michaelhayden725]

WOW! Two men totally committed to their professions. Thanks Tom and Jim - we salute you both.

[@Skybolter]

AMAZING SURPRISE FOR HANKS FROM JIM LOVELL.

[@ibosquez5238]

This makes me proud to be an American. 🚀

[@ngsg3397]

You know u are big when a real life astronaut shows up to congratulate u on ur career.

[@billolsen4360]

Capt. Lovell appeared in the movie in person...anyone remember spotting him?

[@alfio1421]

At the end of the movie, the admiral greeting Jim Lovell upon his return...

[@Ronf465]

One of the officers that salutes Hanks on the carrier that picked up the command module after splashdown.

[@kerryfyi]

Yup, he's the comander on the air craft carrier that picks them up upon their return. Gotta luv Jim Lovell, classy, ballsy, and funny as all hell when he speaks about his career.

[@jshepard152]

Marilyn Lovell is in the movie too.

[@billolsen4360]

@@jshepard152 Never knew that! Thanks.

[@anantgautam2485]

Two of the greatest Legends of Reel and Real life.Great to see Tom Hanks stand up in appreciation of the Commander. Priceless moments

[@imranetic]

THE COMMANDER OF APOLLO 13…..chills

[@witness2history]

Got to meet Lovell last year. I was there for the launches of both Apollo 8 and Apollo 13. I told him that every other time I have gotten close him, he'd made his escape on a Saturn V! I was hoping he had one in the parking lot...but no such luck. Sigh.

[@carlhicksjr8401]

You know, speaking as a veteran, I know that Tom Hanks has never served in the military. But if he were to throw me a highball [a military salute], I'd be pleased to return it as a matter of respect.

[@k1productions87]

Also Jim Lovell threw it up first, so Tom rightfully returned it ^_^

[@sphericalempirical9359]

To look at him and think... that guy has been just a few miles away from the surface of the moon... TWICE ... is astounding. Astronaut group two, one of the first three humans to see the moon up close. Amazing.

[@perriwenplays9215]

In addition to the room not standing, I was also kind of cheesed they ONLY identified him as the commander of Apollo 13. No mention of the Gemini missions, or the fact that he was one of the first men to orbit the moon on Apollo 8.

[@samsignorelli]

Yes....but there was no Hanks connection for those other 3 missions.

[@kingofthings7929]

Plus, to be fair, leading the Apollo 13 crew was his biggest achievement. Given the difficulty of that mission.

[@MrAdamloring1985]

In the uncut version of the video, the crowd does stand and applaud him. Plus why would they mention the other missions? It has nothing to do with Tom Hanks.

[@johnmcmunn5698]

Have to agree that it was appropriate to recognize Jim Lovell for ONLY Apollo 13 since the night was about Tom Hanks getting the award and Hank’s role & connection to Lovell was only Apollo 13. But I’m sure all us space enthusiasts recognize Jim Lovell for all the missions he flew.

[@tracycapilot2002]

Pure class.

[@celestinosarigu3335]

Jim Lovell, appeared in the final scenes of the Apollo 13 film, in the guise of the commander of the aircraft carrier Iwo Jima, while shaking the hands of the crew just recovered from the dark capsule.

[@k1productions87]

He was approached to be the Admiral, but Lovell said he retired as a Captain, so that is what he wanted to be. As you see him in the film, he is indeed wearing his old Captain stripes as he salutes Tom Hanks' Lovell and shakes his hand.

[@alanhelton]

To be saluted Jim Lovell... The butterflies that must have stirred. What a hero.

[@alanhelton]

Ps Tom Hanks salute is more photogenic than most of the Airborne personnel I served with. Rendered in such text book fashion!

[@jezzter4293]

OMG the best honor ever!!! Well deserved. Oops just realized this is 15 years ago .... I feel very stupid

[@RoveRomania]

When the true superstar walks into the room ...

[@illenialLisette]

Tom's face when he walks out is PRICELESS! Got me crying. 😂😭

[@vraspir123]

I'm not sure that it's not better that the audience didn't stand up. The way it happened emphasized the great respect Tom Hanks had for Jim Lovell, and visa versa.

[@Hitchos2]

both true legends

[@4863440]

I love the look on tom's face when they announce "...Captain Jim Lovell"

[@anuraagvaidya9]

All these people are SO LUCKY to be in america to meet my favorite superheros.. I really wish to meet him.

[@lucgrunenwald7795]

Fantastique éloges de 2 personnes qui se respecte et s admire mutuellement , 2 super mecs

[@Shanethefilmmaker]

They were awed by Awesome. Actors could only make us think they went to exotic places such as outer space, whilst Jim Lovell here actually been in space.

[@lornebennett7691]

Tom loved the Apollo program and the fight by the astronauts and mission control to save the lives of Lovell, Swaggert,and Hayes. Hanks was one of the only top stars that wanted to do something about 13. I think that the astronauts saw the passion that Hanks and the movie crew had to keep it honest and true to NASA and what really happened on the flight . Lovell said that he couldn't of thought of anybody who could of played him better they made a real bond. Two real life heroes for different reasons of course but true heroes

[@lornebennett7691]

I think that when tom was the only one to stand i believe that it was a special moment for just him and Jim. Nobody had more drive and passion to show the story that developed on the Apollo13 flight

[@raffaellaborghi6730]

absolutely breathless after all these years isn'it?

[@Seissmann]

i vote tom hanks to be the first hollywood superstar to land on the moon.

[@powerofone1645]

ffs

[@billolsen4360]

I hate to differ but I think Alice Kramden beat him to it

[@frankhogan7541]

I Reckon He'd Jump At The Chance.

[@pegaso3terminator75]

The commander of Apollo 13..the next thing its me against the roof ...what a moment love you Jim!!

[@mkmwrite]

Oh my god, I nearly broke down in tears at this, you could just see how totally amazed and honored Tom looked. Of course. I might just over-emotional, but that really was amazing, and when Tom stood up.... ^^