Award Presentation to Andy Warhol

In 1964, at Film Culture magazine, we decided that our sixth yearly Independent Film Award should go to Andy Warhol for his films Sleep and Empire. Our idea was to have a special screening of one of Andy’s silent movies. “No, no,” said Andy. “Too many people.” “OK,” I said, “then why don’t we do it at the Factory? I will present the award there and we’ll film it, and then we’ll show the film. You don’t even have to be there.” “That’s great,” says Andy. I arrive on 47th Street and I am about to walk in when it comes to my mind that yes, I have my Bolex, but I have nothing, no ‘award’ to give to Andy. I have an idea. I go to the corner grocery store and fill a basket full with vegetables and fruit. I set up the camera. I present the basket to Andy, and he passes the veggies to the Factory gang, to the Superstars, and the camera is rolling. And that’s how the Award Presentation to Andy Warhol film was made. (Jonas Mekas)