American Film Institute honors Al Pacino
On June 7th at the Kokak Theatre in Hollywood the AFI honored Al Pacino with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Longtime friend Winona Ryder (Looking For Richard – Simone) attended the show and read the folowing laudatio:
|
Ladies and gentlemen from "Looking For Richard" Winona Ryder". ----- Al Pacino wooed me and he won me, and he utterly seduced me. Not only as Lady Anne to his Richard, but also as an actress with his insane passion and energy and enthusiam for the process. Al was the star and he was the director. And I don't know if he had any idea what he was doing, and that was the best part because he tried everything. And then he went away and with brilliant editing he crafted this extraordinary and completely original film. So I stand here before you Al, still completely and utterly seduced. And as I, as I look around the room tonight I see that I am not alone, and just know that I would give my kingdom, my kingdom to be wooed by you again. Congradulations! |
In 2002 Winona talked about her role in Simone:
|
W: That issue comes up in "Simone," with Al Pacino, which is about a computer-generated celebrity, who of course can't do live interviews. How did you get involved with the film? Ryder: I got a call from Al. He's an insomniac. We talk in the middle of the night. You know I did that Looking for Richard thing with him. And unbeknownst to all of us, it came out as a film. It was supposed to be for Al's archives. It's sort of the genius Al Pacino—he can talk you into just about anything. W: Are you an insomniac? Ryder: Yes, I don't sleep, he doesn't sleep. So it is very normal that we call each other at two in the morning. I just love him so much. Obviously his work is stellar and brilliant, but as a person he is just one of the most wonderful, generous people I have ever known. So from that we had this friendship. And I personally think he's incredibly attractive. I find him just irresistible, and there is this age difference between us, but.... W: Did you have rehearsals with him for "The Godfather III" before you dropped out of that film? Ryder: No, I spoke to him on the phone then. When I didn't do the movie, he called me and was like, "Don't worry about it." At the end of the day I am glad I didn't do that film. I mean, I would have loved to have been a part of it, but I don't know.... |
Vidcaps and Videoclips from the show
The clips are taken from the german broadcast on „Das Vierte“. The clips do have a german voice-over, however the original voices are still understandable quite well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Winona's speech – 10 MB – DivX
|
|
|
|
|
Winona's arrival & in the audience – 2 MB – DivX
Pictures from the Event
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
