Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Turner Image"When you announced my name it was a total surprise!" Steve Martin joked last night as he received the American Film Institute's 43rd Lifetime Achievement Award at the AFI Awards in Hollywood.
The 69-year-old comedic veteran, whose accolades include an honorary Oscar, five Grammys and an Emmy to name just a few, was celebrated (and roasted) by many of his former co-stars and friends during the hilarious ceremony.
Industry power players like Tina Fey, Mel Brooks, Martin Short, Steve Carell, Conan O'Brien, Sarah Silverman, Amy Poehler and more came together to delivery a heartwarming toast to Martin's career as an actor, screenwriter, playwright and even a magician at Disneyland during his teenage years.
Of her Baby Mama co-star, Fey sarcastically recalled, "I remember the first time I ever saw one of Steve's movies—it was on the plane ride here today."
Fey also shared with the audience the best advice she ever received from Martin: "To be early is to be on time. And to be on time is a sign of weakness. Never shake hands when an open-mouthed kiss would suffice...You can fix your nose, or your teeth. But to do both is more money than I'm willing to lend you."
Silverman took a more serious turn for the night by saying, "Steve Martin has taught us that comedy isn't pretty—it's art. He is an inspiration, my inspiration." But the mood quickly shifted again when Carell admitted, "I have spent the majority of my life doing a pale imitation of Steve Martin—and I resent him for that."
Before the show, Martin opened up to E! News about the highly anticipated evening: "I'm definitely going to be roasted, but we've got such good people that I just can't wait to hear them say terrible things about me."
Of a potential career outside of comedy, Martin said, "I can't imagine."
We couldn't either!
When the comedian, who was seated next to his wife Anne Stringfield, Saturday Night Live producer Lorne Michaels and Diane Keaton, rose to accept the prestigious honor, his closing remarks perfectly epitomized why he will always be known as a legend in comedy.
"When I was a kid I used to get all dressed up and play AFI Life Achievement Awards," Martin deadpanned.
He continued, "Lorne is really responsible for my being here tonight — Lorne, thank you for driving."
Here's to you, Steve!