Oscar Winner Robert DeNiro's Legacy Cemented At Iconic Chinese Theater In Hollywood

Oscar winner Robert DeNiro finally cemented his acting legacy when he dipped his hands in cement in front of iconic Chinese Theater in Hollywood.

DeNiro, 69, is up for his third Oscar this year for his turn in "Silver Linings Playbook."

"(Actor) Joe Pesci always said I'd end up with my feet in cement. I don't think this is what he had in mind," said De Niro, during the ceremony. "They say everyone in the film industry has three homes - the home where they live, the home where their first wife lives, and Hollywood. I love New York, and I'm proud to be a citizen of Hollywood. Thank you for this honor and thank you for making me feel at home here," he added.

Prior to the ritual, actor Billy Crystal and "Silver Linings" director David O. Russell had a few words for the veteran thespian.

"Even in his darkest performances, even in 'Raging Bull' ... he could make you laugh, and that he did in spades in 'Analyze This.' ... I'm not used to playing straight for anybody, but it was a thrill of a lifetime to be on the opposite side of that genius," Crystal said.

Russell noted that "When we first read the script together he cried because he has known people who struggled with PTSD or bipolar disorder. ... Many families are no stranger to these challenges and they have to find the magic and the love that Bob brought in his soul, and he did bring his soul to this movie."

DeNiro placed his hands and feet in the cement and signed his name with the date. Interestingly, he set the date for Valentine's Day of 2013 even though that date has not passed. TMZ reports that the date was eventually fixed.

DeNiro won his first Oscar for his turn in "The Godfather Part 2" (1975) and added his second for Martin Scorcese's "Raging Bull" (1981). He has been nominated by the Academy seven times.