Big Birdman

Win or lose at the Oscars, "Birdman" has already achieved the far greater honour of being spoofed on Sesame Street.  Fun fact, my pal Kyle and his family were out to dinner a couple of years ago and his daughter was playing with her Big Bird doll.  An older gentleman noticed this, came over to the table and (to the amazement of all) began speaking in a perfect Big Bird voice.  Sure enough, it was Caroll Spinney.

(I'm using the 'brushes with greatness' tag even though it wasn't MY celebrity encounter, but still, only one degree of separation away.)