Drew Struzan holds his SAUL BASS Award at the 2014 43rd Annual Key Art Awards in Hollywood

Last night was the 43rd Annual Hollywood Reporter Key Art Awards Ceremony in Hollywood, a celebration of achievements in Creative Print, Film and Television for advertising, marketing and communications in the Entertainment industry. Taking place at the Dolby Theater on Hollywood Blvd, the permanent home to the Annual Academy Awards, thousands of some of the most creative and clever designers, editors, marketers, producers and directors were on hand not only to see who took home the coveted Key Art Awards (this competitions version of the Oscar), but also pay tribute to this years winner of the prestigious Saul Bass Award.

Influenced by the legendary Saul Bass, one of the most iconic and influential graphic designers and filmmakers of the 20th century, the Saul Bass Award honors talented graphic designers and filmmakers that are creating their own iconic and influential style. The recipient of the Saul Bass Award is awarded to someone whose body of work stands out amongst the competition and inspires others in the industry. It was no surprise that this years 2014 Saul Bass award was presented to none other, than famed movie-poster artist and illustrator, Drew Struzan.

With work on films such as STAR WARS, INDIANA JONES, BACK TO THE FUTURE, E. T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL, HOOK, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, HELLBOY, HARRY POTTER, THE GREAT MUPPET CAPER, POLICE ACADEMY, BLADE RUNNER, THE THING, FIRST BLOOD, BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA, in all over 200 movie titles, Drew’s key art has became world renowned. 

Beyond the Marquee was in attendance at last nights awards and was honored to be witness to this momentous event, honoring not just a passionate and talented artist, but also someone we call our friend. We’d like to congratulate him on his win and thank him for inspiring thru his iconic art, legions of aspiring filmmakers, actors, designers and artists who had Drew Struzan poster art on their walls as kids and dreamt of one day having a career in Hollywood. Nobody deserves it more than you.

Click ahead to read some excerpts of Drew’s acceptance speech from last nights award gala. 

Drew Struzan takes to the stage at the Dolby Theatre to deliver his acceptance speech

With an introduction by Frank Darabont; three-time Oscar nominee director, screenwriter, producer and long time friend of Drew Struzan, Drew took to the stage following a 3-minute standing ovation, to address the 3,000 plus attendees of the nights event. Here are some excerpts of his acceptance speech. 

“I’m so glad for all you to be a part of the creative community”

“I’ve worked alone for 45 years and I haven’t seen your faces”.

“…thank you for accepting me into the community”.

“I’m not a man of words, I’m more a man of art”.

“The copy-line for this evening is the Art of the Key art Awards and Art is the whole reason I’m here”.

“Thank you for giving me a life. The movie industry is something I fell into and has blessed me so deeply and widely”.

“I got into it for a simple reason, to feed my family. I think its not uncommon. But also to feed the love of my life, not just my wife and kids, but my art, because I think art is important and powerful and meaningful to us all”.

“I think art springs beauty into life…power, truth, lust, not just beauty, but kindness and the greatest thing of all, is love. Thats why I do it”.

“I thank you so much for being here and letting me be a part of your lives and I thank you for recognizing what I was trying to give to you is the only gift I have to give, my art. Thank you so much”. 

A display in the lobby of the Dolby theatre exhibited some of Drew’s most famous movie posters outside of the 2014 Key Art Awards

SAUL BASS Award Winner, Drew Struzan and Beyond the Marquee’s Founder/Creative Director, Steve Czarnecki at the 2014 Key Art Awards in Hollywood