It's been a long, long wait for the nicest person in the world, Jackie Chan. And his speech was worth the wait.

After 52 years and over 200 films, the Hong Kong action star and martial artist has been recognised for his contributions to the film industry by The Academy. He received an Honorary Oscar at the Governors Ball on Saturday.

The award is a chance for The Academy to acknowledge an artist's whole body of work. Chan has primarily featured in martial arts and action-comedy films — two genres that don't really get recognition by award givers.

Jackie Chan won an honorary Oscar tonight and that makes me very happy. pic.twitter.com/uHVYpiZYUc — Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) November 13, 2016

Receiving the award was a "dream" for Chan, who revealed that 23 years ago, he visited Sylvester Stallone's house and touched, kissed and smelt the Oscar displayed inside.

"I told myself. I really want one," Chan told the rapturous audience. Now he can at last say he has an Oscar. "After 56 years in the film industry, making more than 200 films, I've broken so many bones, finally this is mine," he said.

Chan's co-star on the hit Rush Hour film series, Chris Tucker, congratulated him before introducing him on stage.

"Working with a living legend was amazing. Everyday I couldn't wait to come on set to work with Jackie Chan," Tucker said.

"It was just an honour working with you ... you made a lot of people rich, Jackie. A lot of people rich."

Chan also received congratulations for his award from other actors on Twitter.

"Congrats to my friend Jackie Chan on his fantastic honor [sic] — after 200 movies, you certainly deserve this Oscar. You always inspire," Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote.

We agree. It couldn't have gone to someone more deserving.