HOWARD W. KOCH:
Thank you. What can I say? Really, please. I'm really not a bad guy. Thank you, dear Walter, for this wonderful, wonderful introduction. And thank all of you for your...what you've just done [standing ovation]. I think I lost what I was going to say because I've never had a moment like this, and I'm much better behind the camera.
It seems strange to receive an award for living your life. What has ever seemed special to others that I may have done was only a part of my life: a life I have with my family at home, my life that I have with my family at work. I love what I do, I really do. It's great to be in this industry. My life has been its own reward. For you to add such a special honor this evening, well, there simply are no words.
My Paramount family—and my family's crying right there right now. Come on. My Paramount family, which I've been part of for the last twenty-six years, where they called me Doctor Koch, and my own family. My wife Ruth, who I love and adore, and without you I'd still be saying to Mervyn LeRoy, "I'm ready when you are, Mr. LeRoy!” But I love you. And my daughter, my lovely daughter Melinda, who anyone would be proud to have for a daughter. And her Alan, handsome guy. Howard, Jr., who hopefully will be standing right on this stage one day receiving his Oscar. And all my grandchildren are here tonight. Now, wait a minute, I can't remember. Wally, help me with this. Let's see, there's Wendy and her Tim, Carol, Robby, and Billy the "Northwestern flash." There you are, Billy. My sister Lola—oh, I forgot Emily! I told you! Come back, roll it back. And my granddaughter Emily. Emily, the most beautiful one in the family. I'm sorry. My sister Lola, and before I forget, my secretary Laurie, who rewrote every letter I dictated and made it better. That's true, Laurie, wherever you are. And you know, there's an old saying that it's more blessed to give than receive. But tonight, if I may, it's more blessed to receive. Thank you. And thank you, Aubrey: It's steady ole Peddie!
