- George Stevens Jr. - Presenter: Sitting at that horseshoe table there is the greatest musical performer in the history of motion pictures.
- [after applause]
- George Stevens Jr. - Presenter: and premiere dancer of the 20th Century.
- Cyd Charisse: [Paraphrasing a speech from "The Band Wagon"] Fred, the whole company got together... we all chipped in and we bought you... nothing. So, we have nothing to give you but our gratitude,our appreciation, and our love. The show's a hit, but we all agreed that no matter what happened to it, it was wonderful working with you. The show's gonna run a long time, and as far as I'm concerned, Fred, it's going to be forever.