Anyone less modest than Colin Firth would already be making room on his mantelpiece for his Oscar. Instead, at the Screen Actors Guild prizes, another key film industry gathering on the road to the Academy Awards, this most self-deprecating of movie stars made sure to pay tribute to his "dream cast".
In the moving drama, Colin portrays George VI - the current monarch's father and the reserved and hesitant royal, who overcame a stammer to emerge as an important figurehead in Britain's wartime struggle. He thanked 'his queen' Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush, his unconventional speech therapist – before enveloping the Australian talent in a bear hug.
Sunday's ceremony had many uplifting moments. Among them was Ernest Borgnine, being recognised with a lifetime achievement award. The 77-year-old star of Hart to Hart, Poseidon Adventure and The Dirty Dozen had difficulty containing his emotions as he was handed the trophy by Morgan Freeman. Christian Bale, winner in the best supporting actor category, also shared a touching moment with Dicky Eklund, the former boxer and drug addict he portrayed in The Fighter.
Betty White, winner of the best actress in a comedy series for Hot in Cleveland, entertained the crowd by appearing to flirt with the statuette, which is traditionally shaped like a naked man. "Oooh!" cooed the irrepressible 89-year-old as she ran her hands along its bare back. "I can't say thank you enough," she smiled as she wrapped her hands around its body.
Meanwhile, Black Swan leading lady Natalie Portman continued her wonderful awards season by thanking her parents. Making maternity style look effortless in a white toga dress, the brunette beauty glided onto the stage to accept the best actress trophy for her role as a tortured ballerina. In unusually colourful language, she told the audience how her upbringing contributed to her success. "My parents taught me always taught me to work my hardest and never be an a---ole."
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2011 - Full list of winners
- Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture - The King's Speech
- Oustanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role - Colin Firth, The King's Speech
- Oustanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role - Natalie Portman, Black Swan
- Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role - Christian Bale, The Fighter
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role - Melissa Leo, The Fighter
- Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries - Al Pacino, You Don't Know Jack
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries - Clare Danes, Temple Grandin
- Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series - Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series - Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series - Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series - Betty White, Hot in Cleveland
- Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series - Boardwalk Empire
- Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series - Modern Family