'We go back so far': Denzel Washington surprises to fete Samuel L. Jackson at Governors Awards

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — One NSFW word may come to mind when you think of Samuel L. Jackson.

Denzel Washington playfully steered clear of such terms for his speech presenting Jackson with an honorary Oscar Friday evening at the 12th Governors Awards.

Washington, who's up for best actor at Sunday's 94th annual Academy Awards for his role in "The Tragedy of Macbeth," broke into a villainous chuckle as he introduced Jackson, instead deciding to toast rather than roast.

"Nah, I'm not gonna do that. Let me tell you something: We go back so far," Washington said, noting Jackson's career achievements before running through a laundry list of organizations to which his fellow actor and activist donates his energy. "I don't know what y'all been doing, but that's what he's been doing."

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During a montage of Jackson's life, the veteran actor revealed that the 12-letter curse word that has become a trademark in his career was actually a tool to help him stop stuttering as a child.

"It's been a real pleasure making indelible impressions on audiences (playing characters named) 'Gang Member No. 2,' 'Bum,' 'Hold-up Man,' and the unforgettable 'Black guy,' just to name a few," Jackson joked during his acceptance speech to laughter from the crowd.

The "Pulp Fiction" star received a standing ovation as he made his way to the stage from his table, where he was seated next to frequent collaborator Quentin Tarantino.

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Jackson was feted alongside Danny Glover, Elaine May and Liv Ullmann at the pre-Oscars ceremony, held at the Ray Dolby Ballroom, just next door to where Hollywood's biggest night is set to take place at Dolby Theater.

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'I'm so proud': Danny Glover accepts humanitarian award

In his speech accepting the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, Glover commemorated his grandparents, who "didn't allow their daughters and son to pick cotton in September and sent them to school in September."

"And because of these heroic, amazing people in Louisville, Georgia, (my mother was) the first person to graduate from college in her family and in her community. She inspired me, my mother, because no one worked harder. No one dreamed harder … and fought for justice," Glover said.

Glover, who the Academy honored for his decades-long advocacy for justice and human rights, reminisced about his role in the Third World Liberation Front strikes of 1968 at San Francisco State University, which helped create the first department of Black studies and the first college of ethnic studies in the U.S.

"How do you move and keep moving? It's because people move, and they continue to move," Glover said. "I am proud of being a part of that."

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John Lithgow, Alfre Woodard, Bill Murray toast honorees

Bill Murray kicked off the night celebrating the 60-year career of director, writer and actress May, who joked that "no one else would come but Bill" to present her with the award.

John Lithgow lauded “The Emigrants” and “Face to Face” star Ullmann's "long career creating film legacy second to none."

Alfre Woodard praised Glover, saying the star "builds community wherever his foot lands. He levels his light wherever a fellow traveler pools in darkness. Danny Glover always does the right thing first, without testing the prevailing winds of public opinion."

Though postponed by the spread of the omicron COVID-19 variant from its original January date, the event was the latest in the return to business as usual in Hollywood on Oscars week, with celebrities enjoying the ability to be back together in person.

In the ballroom, Board of Governors member Rita Wilson chatted with fellow governors, while Delroy Lindo mingled with fellow actors David Oyelowo and Nate Parker. Former NBA star Earvin "Magic" Johnson held court the entire evening, shaking hands and posing for pictures with wife Cookie Johnson by his side.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Samuel L Jackson gets Oscars Governors Award from Denzel Washington