Terms of Endearment Director Recalls Jack Nicholson’s Words on Oscars Night

Jack Nicholson‘s hit ’80s classic Terms of Endearment‘s director James L. Brooks has revealed what the star told him on the night of the movie’s Oscar triumph. The family drama went on to sweep five trophies at the Academy Awards in 1984.

What did Jack Nicholson say to Terms of Endearment director on the night the movie won 5 Oscars?

In his interview with PEOPLE, James L. Brooks shared what Jack Nicholson told him about Terms of Endearment winning 5 Oscars. The director stated, “The night that we won everything, my mind was blown.”

He shared, “I’d won the writing Oscar, and, and then the director’s thing happened, and I’m just sort of in a stupor.” He further added, “My head is down. I’m dazed … and Jack says, ‘Go for the triple.”

The 85-year-old explained that bagging his first Oscar was “tremendously emotional,” while the other victories felt “surreal after that.” Further, Brooks showered praises on Nicholson, saying he is “like a veteran soldier.” The director continued, “He’s it, he’s the guy … nobody like him.”

Brooks said, “Nobody like him. I think maybe in a way you could possibly go through everybody … maybe say Bogart, no way.” The filmmaker added, “You know, just some great acting. And the extraordinary charisma, same thing.”

“One of the greatest actors alive, with extraordinary charisma,” The Simpsons co-creator exclaimed. The director also opened up about his comeback with his recent release, Ella McCay. He explained, “I never didn’t want to come back. It wasn’t like that.”

Terms of Endearment is considered one of Brooks’ most memorable works. It was adapted from the 1975 novel of the same name by Larry McMurtry. The film focuses on the bond shared between the widowed Aurora and her daughter, Emma.

Things take an awkard turn when Emma ends up getting married to teacher Flap Horton. The film opened to critical acclaim and also became the second-highest-grossing film of 1983. It won the Oscars for Best Director, Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor.