Costner leaves Hollywood mark, literally

updated 12:35 p.m. ET Sept. 7, 2006

LOS ANGELES - Oscar winning actor-director Kevin Costner sunk his hands and feet into wet cement on Wednesday in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre — following, literally, in the footsteps of other stars.

“I feel so lucky today. I feel so guilty,” mused the 51-year-old. “I’ve been able to live my dream. I’ve been able to stare down the bully, kiss the girl, and save the day. The staple of all Hollywood movies, the fantasy of every man.”

Quietly handsome, Costner jump-started his sparkling film career with a lead role in 1985’s comedy “Fandango,” and went on to headline dozens of films, including “JFK” and “Field of Dreams.”

In 1990, his Civil War epic “Dances with Wolves” snagged him Academy Awards for directing and best picture. He was also nominated for best actor.

Other movies under his director’s shingle include 1997’s “The Postman” and 2003’s “Open Range.”

At the ceremony, Costner thanked both fans and co-workers, from writers and directors to the “stuntmen who’ve taken risks to make me look stronger or jump farther than I ever could.”

He ended his lengthy speech on a cautiously optimistic note.

“Long live the movies and the imaginations that drive them. Long live our hard fought freedoms that allow us to bring them to you without fear or censorship,” he said.

Costner’s upcoming film “The Guardian,” with co-star Ashton Kutcher, opens Sept. 29.

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