Mel Brooks Accepts Honorary Oscar After Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick Serenade Him: ‘I Won’t Sell This One’

"This is beautiful," Brooks, 97, said as he held the honorary award, joking that he had sold his 1968 Oscar for 'The Producers'

Mel Brooks can put another accolade on his resumé, with the legendary comedian and filmmaker receiving an honorary Oscar at the 14th Governors Awards.

“This is beautiful,” Brooks, 97, began his acceptance speech after presenters Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick serenaded him with songs from his storied career. "I got to tell you, this means a lot to me. It really means a lot."

Brooks vowed to never sell his second Oscar, jokingly telling the crowd he had sold his first. In 1968, Brooks won best original screenplay for The Producers. "I miss it so much," he cracked. "I never should have sold it."

The Young Frankenstein director recalled how it "meant a lot" to be awarded his place growing up as the youngest of four boys. "Finally they got to see me. It's the same thing in show business," Brooks said. "If your fellow writers, directors, actors like you and appreciate your work, it means a lot. It means a whole lot."

"When your peers appreciate your work and they salute you with this golden statue, it means a great deal," the spry legend continued, calling the award "terrific."

"I won't sell this. I swear to God," Brooks promised before leaving the stage with a smile and a wave.

Prior to his acceptance speech, Lane and Broderick, who starred in Brooks' The Producers Tony-winning musical on Broadway and in the 2005 film, broke into songs like The King of Broadway before a crowd that included honorary Oscar winner Angela Bassett, Bradley Cooper, Margot Robbie and Robert Downey Jr,

"Ladies and gentlemen, you name it, and he can do it!" sang Lane. Broderick chimed in: "Every gag that's made you giggle probably started out with Mel."

Related: Mel Brooks' Life in Photos

On June 26, 2023, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed that Brooks, along with Bassett and film editor Carol Littleton, would receive the award at the November ceremony for their contributions to the industry.

"First of all, I am very happy to still be alive!" Brooks told PEOPLE in a statement after the award's announcement. "But secondly, it is so nice to be recognized by my peers in The Academy over 50 years after my last Oscar,"

He added, "A long time ago I was given a choice: I had an offer to be working as an apprentice accountant or as a coffee runner in show business. I'm still glad I chose the coffee."

Brooks is one of 23 individuals to achieve an EGOT — an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award. Brooks earned two more Oscar nods in 1975 for best adapted screenplay for Young Frankenstein and best original song for Blazing Saddles.

Related: Mel Brooks' Comedy 'History of the World, Part I' Is Getting a Sequel Series 40 Years Later at Hulu

“Mel Brooks lights up our hearts with his humor, and his legacy has made a lasting impact on every facet of entertainment," Academy President Janet Yang previously said in a press release.

Voted on by the Academy’s Board of Governors, the Honorary Award is “given to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or for outstanding service to the Academy."

Past recipients of the award include Samuel L. Jackson, Donald Sutherland, Jackie Chan and Cicely Tyson.

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