Golden Globe honors actor Hackman for lifetime of work

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- Two-time Academy Award winner Gene Hackman, whose roles during a four-decade career range from "Bonnie and Clyde" to "The Royal Tenenbaums," received the Cecil B. DeMille Award during the 60th annual Golden Globes.

"I never wanted to be anything but an actor," Hackman said after receiving the honor Sunday. "George Scott had a line in 'Patton' that I think is appropriate: 'God help me, I love this. I truly do.'"

Hackman, 72, won a supporting-actor Oscar for 1992's "Unforgiven" and a best-actor Oscar for 1971's "The French Connection." He also has Golden Globe Awards for those films and a comedic actor honor for last year's "The Royal Tenenbaums."

He has starred in nearly 80 films, including "Crimson Tide," "The Firm" and "Mississippi Burning."

The versatile actor also has had starring roles in several comedies, including the gender-bender "Birdcage."

Hackman left home at 16 and spent three years in the Marines before pursuing acting.

He told the audience that his dream of becoming an actor started with his trips to Saturday matinees, marveling at Errol Flynn and his favorite actor, James Cagney.

Previous honorees of the award include Harrison Ford, Al Pacino, Dustin Hoffman, Shirley MacLaine, Jack Nicholson, Sean Connery and Sophia Loren.