Appearing in at least one film nearly every year since 1966, Alan Arkin's name has become virtually ubiquitous in Hollywood.
While his respected career has earned him a great deal of recognition, it wasn't until 2007 that Arkin actually took home an Oscar of his own. In fact, Arkin hadn't even been nominated for an Oscar since 1969, for his role in The Heart is a Lonely Hunter.
But 38 years later, Arkin would have his night. The long-awaited victory was thanks almost entirely to his moving performance as grandfather to Abigail Breslin in Little Miss Sunshine, whom Arkin called working with a "sheer delight."
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The film received four nominations that night, including Best Picture and one acting nod for Breslin, which she somehow didn't win, despite being unyieldingly adorable. It would however take home Best Original Screenplay, as well as Alan Arkin's Best Supporting Actor win.
Just don't tell Arkin he deserved it.
In the press room, Arkin joked morbidly that, "I think it's because of my age. Everybody thinks I'm gonna keel over in a year or two...they'll give me a little bonus."
Despite his statements, he couldn't fool ET, who got Arkin to later admit that he was choked up when finally accepting his Oscar.
"Yeah, I didn't expect it either," said Arkin in regards to the teary moment in his acceptance speech, adding, "I was moved."
With any luck, Arkin can repeat his Oscar magic with his supporting role in Argo with Ben Affleck when The 85th Annual Academy Awards air Sunday, February 24th, 2013 on ABC.
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For more moments from Arkin's big night, see the video above.
Alan Arkin 07 Oscars Flashback
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