Helena Bonham Carter was honoured with a lifetime achievement gong on Sunday's London Critics' Circle Film Awards and said she hoped it was not a hint to stop acting. Accepting the Dilys Powell Award for excellence in film at London's May Fair Hotel, the Oscar-winning actress joked that her recent string of accolades was like a disease. "It feels like a rash. It suddenly seems like I've got a contagion of diseases, I mean awards. But it's nice, it's a nice feeling. It's so weird, because I'm only 46. A lifetime Achievement award... it feels like 'I'm not over yet'. I hope they're not trying to say it's time to stop. I'm only just getting the gist of it."
Last year, the Les Miserables star received a CBE for services to drama and a fellowship from the British Film Institute, but she admitted it was good to get an award from the critics, who are not always so generous with their reviews. "I can quote verbatim all my bad reviews. I can remember all the bad ones. Basically because I agree with them. So it's nice because this is like a back good review," she said.The actress, whose credits also include The King's Speech, Frankenstein and Fight Club, was presented with the gong by director Mike Newell, who recently worked with her on Great Expectations.
Speaking of Helena's talent, he said: "She's like a kaleidoscope, she is able to deliver these wonderful, vivid characters again and again. They're all full of variety, full of wit and energy and I think people long to see what she's going to try next. She's become an institution. Working with her is always surprising, always harmonious. Not one tiny little bit of foot-stamping or tantrum-throwing. And she was delightful. "Also attending the 33rd London Critics' Circle Film Awards was Emily Blunt, who dazzled in a black figure-hugging Alexander McQueen dress. The 29-year-old completed her look with minimal make up, her hair tied back in a stylish knot, a Swarovski clutch and Ofira jewels.Helena's Les Miserables co-star Samantha Barks also attended the awards. Samantha, 22, graced the red carpet in a green and black Roland Mouret dress which showed off her trim figure. Samantha added metallic heels and a loose up'do to complete the look.