Mel Brooks Wins Original Screenplay: 1969 Oscars

Mel Brooks wins the Oscar for Writing (Story and Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen) for The Producers at the 41st Academy Awards. Presented by Frank Sinatra and Don Rickles.
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[@seasideboo2]

I clicked for mel brooks and got frank sinatra and don rickles for free what a bargain

[@mr.brooks8913]

You searched for gold but found more than expected

[@helen704]

oh my god same

[@danielstone4555]

RIP Don Rickles

[@Quidditashopeful]

Gang baby

[@TheTmny876able]

@@Quidditashopeful Frank could have sang the high anxiety theme but Mel did it fantastic Zero mostel must get a mention h was brilliant.

[@dctrevett]

"I'd like to thank the producer of The Producers for producing The Producers" - classic Mel!

[@magicpen6666]

Sinatra, Rickles, and Brooks, all in one video. This video basically embodies everything American pop culture means to me. Incredible to see them all together.

[@emilioconcha6856]

Sam K You forgot Gene Wilder

[@paulmichaelfreedman8334]

Not just that, but Mel Brooks beat 2001:A Space Odyssey, now that's a feat in itself.

[@rosebyanyname]

"I'd like to say what's in my heart---Ba-bump, Ba-bump, Ba bump, Ba-bump." Somebody quick clone him so we can have History of the World Part II!

[@erichayes8445]

I agree entirely

[@joekovach5789]

It’s happening! History of the World Part 2 is coming to Hulu with Mel executive producing and writing.

[@arawn10]

MEL BROOKS should win an award for..... Still Being With Us in 2019! 🏆🎉

[@mysoncrumphaseveryinjury3853]

Yeah,where's the Honorary Oscar for this man?

[@ladyjingjingyang]

and 2020！

[@gregjeffcoat4258]

And hopefully throughout 2021.😃

[@denisesaunders3067]

@@gregjeffcoat4258 he be 95 this year.

[@gregjeffcoat4258]

@@denisesaunders3067 And give him 95 more.🌞😃

[@michaelj.r457]

4:16 Gene Wilder was crying at Mel's tribute to him (According to his own words) RIP Gene, you are still missed one month later :(:(:(:(:( As of this writing, I am watching the TCM marathon in his honor.

[@rolandofgilead43]

i noticed he was crying too and it wasn't just because Mel was his friend but if i recall Gene saying he Mel was his saving grace at a time that he really needed him and he really needed the money at the time he did The Producers.

[@tinaprivitera6669]

Gene Wilder, Gene Wilder, Gene Wilder. Beloved and talented and missed. RIP.

[@MrGabeanator]

RIP all of you

[@WillScarlet16]

I think Nathan Lane said it best - "Mel Brooks, as comedy legends go, is probably the most adorable."

[@MsTimothyswan]

this ranks as perhaps one of the finest moments in Oscar history. never again will we get to see three legends like Frank Sinatra, Don Rickles and Mel Brooks all together at the same time. classic!

[@aaroncoleman3053]

Unless you dig up Frank and Don.

[@PeanutsAssorted]

Seeing Rickles making fun of Sinatra just makes you wonder... how the hell did he leave that venue alive?

[@oldDNU]

Lee GaryB much the same way a court jester can rip into the king and get away with it. When you’re a master of your craft, you can say anything. The mob loved Rickles

[@ingvarhallstrom2306]

Don Rickles got away with being a racist asshole, and I don't know how he got away with it...

[@mysoncrumphaseveryinjury3853]

@@ingvarhallstrom2306 you poor unfortunate soul

[@ingvarhallstrom2306]

@@mysoncrumphaseveryinjury3853 I'm rich, but thank you anyway? But please find me a clip where Don Rickles doesn't look like a racist asshole?

[@mysoncrumphaseveryinjury3853]

@@ingvarhallstrom2306 he was not. This guy was a lifelong liberal and befriended dudes from Rat Pack which was composed mainly of Jews and Italians and was known for being a very warm and loyal person irl. His humor was actually based on the mocking of stereotypes of various groups and people,had he been actually racist,he likely would've been silenced by Hollywood. To get a kick out of him,a man just needs to learn how to laugh at themselves.

[@jackspry9736]

RIP Frank Sinatra (December 12, 1915 - May 14, 1998), aged 82 And RIP Don Rickles (May 8, 1926 - April 6, 2017), aged 90 You both will always be remembered as legends.

[@doughbafett]

That segment was funnier than most entire Oscar telecasts. BTW, how could Mel Brooks forget to thank Gene Wilder?

[@MsLizziebeth1]

doughbafett, He thanked him 3 times in a row at the end b4 bounding offstage. Whachoo talkin'bout, Willis????!!

[@jillk368]

@@MsLizziebeth1 LOL. I met Willis a few years ago. Love me some classic TV references.

[@adamkhabazian3249]

yeah he forgot for the 4th time. mighty good of him. you can't find friends like that anymore

[@rowanc88]

Aww, that shot of Gene at the end. RIP

[@slowswimmer9169]

Cassavetes was Greek, but close enough. The Producers is one my three most favourite comedies ever, and Gene is my favourite comedian. Well deserved academy award Mel

[@Stand_By_For_Mind_Control]

Happy 95th Birthday, Mel! May you live to be 2000!

[@Jared_Wignall]

Kubrick and Clarke should've been nominated for Adapted Screenplay due to the film being based on a short story called The Sentinel written by Clarke. I'm glad that Brooks won. The Producers is such an awesome movie.

[@darthdj31]

It's screenplay though.

[@Jared_Wignall]

Yes, this is Original. Kubrick and Clarke adapted 2001 from a short story, thus the 2001 screenplay should be put in the adapted screenplay category, not Original.

[@darthdj31]

Jared Wignall i dont know what the fuck i was reading lol

[@Jared_Wignall]

lol

[@supermariofan03]

Jared Wignall I don't even think it needed a Screenplay nomination in general, it was more of a visual presentation type of movie.

[@gagnon1993]

Mel Brooks knows Don Rickles his whole life. They were born in the same year, 1926 along with many other people that were born in 1926 Don Rickles - May 8th, 1926 Mel Brooks - June 28th, 1926 Till year, 2017, Don Rickles' passing, Mel Brooks gave his respect to his friend. "Don Rickles. One of the bravest, funniest, and sweetest guys that ever performed. A dear pal that we will all sorely miss." - Mel Brooks

[@adarshjose3891]

The nominations speaks for itself. All of the pictures are reverent classics today 😍

[@matthewgillies7509]

And 55 years later, Mel Brooks gets a Lifetime Achievement Award Oscar.

[@michaelmuldowney8]

Trivia note - THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS is the only film in Academy Award history to be nominated in two non consecutive years. It was a foreign language film nominee for 1966 and a double nominee for writing and direction for 1968.

[@nabil731]

But how

[@michaelmuldowney8]

Nabil Foreign Films don't need to run in a commercial theater in Los Angeles county to be included in the FF category. All other Films do for every other award. It did not get a commercial release until early 1968. Can't happen today as rules are more restrictive.

[@nabil731]

@@michaelmuldowney8 ahh i see

[@josephkearny5874]

Woman in the Dunes (1964) was nominated for Best Foreign Language film in 1965 and for Best Director in 1966

[@michaelmuldowney8]

@@josephkearny5874 Quiet a few were nominated in consecutive years - The Emigrants, Day For Night, The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg, But Battle Of Algiers the ONLY one in NON consecutive years.

[@overseer71]

Perhaps not as well known is that Mel Brooks co-produced and championed David Lynch's "The Elephant Man" and refused to let studio executives touch the final cut. Congratulations Mel on your Honorary Oscar.

[@MrImiller07]

The original Producers movie with Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder was hysterical, as was the stage adaptation in the early 90's with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick. I didn't realize that Sinatra presented Brooks with his Oscar in 1969. As Brooks fans know, Mel did an affectionate parody of Sinatra in his 70's Hitchcock comedy tribute, "High Anxiety".

[@JoeyKirkSWAGA]

MrImiller07 the Producers was made theater sure was made in 2001

[@jwelch5742]

The Producers has great screenplay than other films. Mel Brooks won 4 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program - The Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Carl Reiner, Howard Morris Special and Outstanding Guest Actor - Comedy Series playing Uncle Phil on Mad About You in 1997-1999. Don Rickles has won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program - Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project.

[@ClueSign]

RIP Gene Wilder

[@donreed7018]

That had more laughs, entertainment and THRUST in 4 minutes than all of the 2015 Oscars, which ran close to 4 HOURS. Hollywood, you're going the way of Hollywood Park 2013 RIP).

[@jws1272]

Don Reed All I know is that the BRILLIANT Mr. Mel Brooks won his Oscar, for his FIRST brilliant Hollyweird script, and it led to the G in his EGOT!!!

[@donreed7018]

When he's not brilliant, he's insufferable. One can only wonder how many of thousands of moments of the latter came to pass.

[@jws1272]

Don Reed All I know is that Mel is one of the greatest comedic minds that has ever existed in our time, and we're all grateful to still have him around. Did you know that he turned 90 YEARS OLD recently?? I did a triple-feature of High Anxiety, History Of The World Part I, and Young Frankenstein, to honor that momentous birthday!!

[@moonshine2023]

Yeah, the presentation / crowd were far more into it and there was far more wit.

[@blue47er]

and I hope you had your elasticated, plastic shorts on at the time....

[@gordo_cabron]

So rude he didn't thank Gene Wilder.

[@judith_thordarson]

Or Gene Wilder

[@boltmarksman488]

Also, Not to mention....GENE WILDER

[@SteveLittleLivesHere]

Yeah, and he didn't even thank Jerome Silberman!

[@michaelbauers8800]

I was disappointed when I read this. Because I thought Gene and he got along well. I stopped watching when I read this comment, and burned all my Mel Brooks DVDs. Then burned my Tivo, which had some Mel Brooks stored on it. I hope people were not kidding, and I did not make a mistake by not watching the whole thing. Damn you Mel Brooks!

[@5cloudwalker]

If you watch the Producers dvd behind the scenes he mentions the Oscar. He was totally shocked he wasn’t expecting it. He said he didn’t have a speech at all prepared... and he left out alot of people he should have thanked because of the shock of the moment. Leaving Gene Wilder out was not done on purpose hell they collaborated on Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles soon after.

[@moviepeasantispeasanted]

I think he'd also like to thank Gene Wilder.

[@jasobres]

And don't forget Gene Wilder.

[@macadoodle1237]

@@jasobres you are so disrespectful, you nearly forgot Gene Wilder!

[@lawrence142002]

I'd also like to thank Gene Wilder.

[@coololds85]

Frank Sinatra was so cool. I am a big fan of Sinatra and Don Rickles. It's so funny to see Frank and Don together. But this was a big surprise because I had no idea they were in the oscars together. Frank first hosted the oscars in 1963. I'm still waiting for the oscars to release that whole show. I have never seen it because I am 21 lol. But I've heard he sang luck be a lady in the beginning and hosted the oscars again in 1975 along with Bob Hope. I would really like to buy a full copy show of those somewhere. And than the research I did on imdb says that Sinatra appeared in several oscars from the 50s, 60s, 70s and once in the 80s which when he received oscars, awards and presented oscars himself. Please put these shows out. The oscars today suck ass. You won't see any actors like this anymore. These people were legends and they were so golden.

[@Victoria-xu2nj]

when u find it , please let me know! I'd love to watch!

[@jokernotfunny]

I love this style of award show everyone is just relax and lay back no one is acting it makes the whole thing charming

[@neelabhraroy4238]

I think Gene Wilder got teary there

[@noahmcclintock5866]

R.I.P. Don Rickles.

[@gagnon1993]

3:04 Mel Brooks knows Don Rickles all of his whole life since they were born in 1926. Till Don Rickles' passing in 2017, Mel Brooks gave his respect to his friend. Mel Brooks: "Don Rickles. One of the bravest, funniest, and sweetest guys that ever performed. A dear pal that we will all sorely miss."

[@TheLadyday1139]

Gene's reaction: aww moment if there ever was.

[@wmitty2166]

Can anyone explain why there was a laugh at the mention of Mrs. Joseph E. Levine, Rosalie? That WAS her name.

[@KevinBiedrzycki1]

The real king of comedy

[@qwerpoiu555]

Mel Brooks and Frank Sinatra...two of my heroes are on the same stage! I'd like Sinatra to sing Springtime for Hitler.

[@t1mb0t]

So much great talent on that stage. Unbelievable.

[@christhornycroft3686]

They actually played the instrumental for Springtime when Mel walked up. I don't think they'd ever do that today.

[@denisesaunders3067]

Mel is still with us and will be 95 this year. X

[@BrooklynJackBlue]

I love that Mel seems to have this exquisite sense of where to come in in terms of comedy. Not trying to top anything, being gracious, of course, but just this smoothly oiled engine of charm and wit.

[@NoOne-kr4jc]

What did you think of Rickles and Sinatra?

[@sadboi7537]

Crazy Mel is still alive. Pushing 100.

[@Edubrasilnazza]

The movie is awesome and one of the most hilarious (if not the number 1) I've ever seen. Mel Brooks is a genius! History of the World is also a must-see movie, in my opinion.

[@LinoCoria]

Thanks for posting this!

[@wheelinthesky300]

Mel Brooks never used Rickles in a film. Interesting.

[@taxitalknyc7600]

wheelinthesky300 Hmmmm....

[@colkidglen8802]

Good for never using rickles in a film.

[@spongebobcancerpants2351]

colkid Glen why rickles was funny

[@lynnturman8157]

Yeah, well, he never used you in a film either, did he? Not interesting.

[@Ghost-ql3hl]

Love the way he would just casually call him Frank “What are ya doing frank?”

[@akrenwinkle]

Instead of Your Majesty. So informal!

[@pinedapopi]

"You had a line, you blew it!" "Ba-bump, ba-bump, ba-bump!" "Alright, wise guy, where's the envelope?!" "When you get old, you start to slip! Later on, we're gonna buy Dick Haymes' album and see what's wrong with your career!" "I wanna thank the Academy of Arts, Sciences, and Money for this wonderful award..." This clip is has too many gold moments.

[@clash5j]

This had to be an amazing moment for Gene. The Producers was only his 2nd film and the 1st that he actually starred in

[@stevewingate3023]

Class acts, all three of them, especially of note, Mel's tribute to the fabulous Gene Wilder.

[@stevecvino]

I feel all that is missing is Johnny Carson.

[@gagnon1993]

3:13 good long friendship together since they were born in 1926. Don Rickles Born: Saturday, May 8th, 1926 Passed away: Thursday, April 6th, 2017 (90 years old) Mel Brooks Born: Monday, June 28th, 1926 Mel Brooks: (his respect for his loss) "Don Rickles. One of the bravest, funniest, and sweetest guys that ever performed. A dear pal that we will all sorely miss."

[@richardsonmorlaes5714]

Don Rickles R.I.P 1928-2018

[@paulkennedy6060]

First reaction was “Mel beat Kubrick?! With his first film!” Then I remembered, it was for screenplay, not directing. I think the script for 2001 is like 9 pages long.

[@rae0993]

Exactly. Plus there is some argument to be made that 2001 should have been nominated for adapted screenplay because it was technically based off a short story.

[@cbstevp]

That was great, old school humor from big stars, making the Oscars fun, not as stuffy as it is nowadays.

[@makienxhemmiktar]

effortless and hilarious. God bless Mel Brooks!!!!!

[@valeriatesla]

I was reading a comic book, it talks about the friendship between Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder while filming Young Frankenstein Just wanted to hear his voice, his reaction was so gold ♥️

[@gailthomas2631]

Never thought Don Rickles was one bit funny. Mel on the other hand was great.

[@FrankClark]

wow he won over kubrick 2001! amazing!

[@luishumbertovega3900]

Don Rickles mistakenly said Cassavetes was Italian when in reality he was of Greek descendancy but who cares, those three guys had the time of their lives in 5 minutes, they really hit it out of the park !!!

[@fuggered1563]

Rickles taking up Mel's time..

[@petermacdonough9077]

The crazy thing is, at 97-years old, Mel Brooks is the last standing man from the production of "The Producers"!! Everyone else, including Don Rickles and Frank Sinatra, are dead. Even Embassy Pictures the studio that helped make the movie is no longer around. Sony pictures bought them out in 1986. It just comes to show you that Mel is an American treasure and his movies and artwork will live on to find new generations long after we are dead!!! ❤

[@jamesheath7601]

Happy birthday 🥳 Mel Brooks 97 today

[@YoungFrankenstein]

he deserves more. Genius of comedy

[@jeffswim]

Bring Don Rickles back to this year's Oscars for an encore! That was awesome!

[@georgesimpson7789]

The late 20th century...when Oscar telecasts were still humorous.

[@MustaDujak]

comedy icon! well deserved.

[@CafeAlpha]

So awesome!

[@edwardoleyar9825]

If the awards shows were still this funny, then I might watch them.

[@mellow5123]

Wonderful. Memories.

[@marco70go]

What a GREAT thank-you speech!

[@martindeewan686]

That man won an Oscar in 1969 and 2024. That's a 65 years span.

[@LJG907]

He was a great ! Loved the movies ...

[@sammyt1111]

Don Rickles, Frank Sinatra, Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder - how has this video not got 10 million views?!

[@MrCristoforoantonio]

Mel Brooks is the BEST !!

[@MrGabeanator]

great stuff

[@hunterwilder9665]

Although 2001: A Space Odyssey is based on the book of the same name by Arthur C. Clarke, it was published after the film came out, thus making it eligible for Best Original Screenplay instead of Best Adapted Screenplay

[@reving19]

Good comedy! They should get Don Rickles to host this year's ceremony. That said, I love Mel Brooks, but love "2001" even more. A little sad Kubrick lost this one, but am glad that Mel got one.

[@fredpickett6219]

Some of the very best Entertainers were in this clip.

[@pierrearonnax3100]

"Mel, you stole my Oscar!" "You're a genius!" (that night, Arthur C. Clarke and Mel Brooks, an exchange I deeply wish had been filmed.)

[@lohancindy5442]

Sad but joyous that everyone in this video has passed save one.

[@alfredoxu7926]

back then people win awards because they had talent and made quality films, today you win awards by checking certain boxes.

[@quizmaster85]

Don Rickles - Forever the insult comics' insult comic.

[@65wiseman]

I've heard that the Buddy Sorrell character from the Dick Van Dyke show was based on Mel Brooks - just like Sally Rogers was Selma Diamond.

[@barbamatteo]

Pure Genius

[@omarsosa8329]

Wow. Brooks' farce against Pontecorvo's battle and Kubrick's odissey. That looks like a tough decision.

[@JohnSpawn1]

One of my all-time favourite comedies but it still is weird that he won over Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke....

[@jeremysalkeld8742]

Probably because 2001 didn't really have a cohesive plot, per se.

[@mikesitzler1106]

Not much dialogue either.

[@rustincohle2135]

@Diego Pisfil Rachel Rachel had a great script. Swap out Oliver with 2001.

[@daydreamcon6343]

Tom Waits there’s barely a screenplay in 2001. I love it way more than I do the producers but the producers works better as a screenplay winner. If anything, 2001 would’ve worked immensely as winning for cinematography and picture

[@rustincohle2135]

@@daydreamcon6343 "2001: A Space Odyssey" has a very literary screenplay and the way the film's themes are expressed through the symbolism and subtext is what makes the script so great. But "The Producers" is more of a movie script with quippy dialogue, sharp humor, a satirical edge, zany characters and a funny, clever story which is why it won.

[@robertbruce2128]

Sinatra had to signal to Rickles not to interrupt Brooks’ acceptance speech. But he interrupted anyway. Irrepressible.

[@lauriesyme207]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@enzmondo]

I love Don Rickles

[@benignuman]

I love that they played Springtime for Hitler when Mel Brooks won

[@eightinches3671]

What else would they play?

[@misterEmbryo]

Mr. Potato Head!

[@patuberTV]

For 2001 A SPACE ODYSSEY Stanley Q-brick! Hahahahaha But it was cool to see him pronounce the Italian screenwriter with an accent.

[@s27945]

甄甄~~~

[@harrietamidala1691]

Don Rickles is so funny he made Frank Sinatra red in the face!

[@willienobody4156]

WOW

[@misticomontan]

Sinatra, Rickles and Kubrick mentioned!!!

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

It's nuts to think 2001: A Space Odyssey was in any category was The Producers! 😆

[@King_Colombia_Inc]

Mr. Potato Head and the Chairman of the Broad.

[@TimGi1]

3 Genius Americans - Great ✌️

[@she__won_in_action7494]

When he loves someone as much as he loves his wife than it's ... Gene Wilder, Gene Wilder and Gene Wilder!

[@daRiddler32]

It was his wife Anne Bancroft that introduced him to Gene. They were doing a play together and she insisted that Mel meet him

[@samsum3738]

And today we have the slapfest of will smith and chris rock ....oh dear .

[@OhSankYouDoktor]

Rickles was totally out of line to try to step on Brooks' moment in the spotlight. One of the most deserved screenplay Oscars ever. Great speech, and he truly loved Gene Wilder. He said "The Producers" would have been a good movie with Zero and another comic but that Gene made it a classic. Very moving to see Gene wipe a tear from his eye at the end. Only quibble with speech is he did not thank Anne Bancroft.

[@jackm4457]

I noticed the same thing... That ego-maniac Rickles thought HE was the show. Mel is always a gentleman, but he wasn't try to hide his annoyance.

[@thewkovacs316]

he went home and thanked her later

[@NoOne-kr4jc]

Rickles and Sinatra were brought out there. They both had to do something, otherwise Sinatra would be talking alone. Right? Then again, Sinatra could certainly do this stuff alone. I think not inviting Rickles to the show would have been the best option, because Rickles' idea of entertainment is energy. There's really not much you can do. He's not sitting on a couch with Carson, McMahon, and another guest, letting that guest talk. Its him and Sinatra. Mel Brooks anyhow loved Rickles, and said at his death that he was one of the sweetest pussycats ever. I think what Rickles could have done was compliment him on his well deserved success and talent. Rickles usually concludes with stuff like that.