The inimitable Hugh Grant has been honoured with the Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award in Los Angeles. The charming actor was presented with the gong by his Two Weeks Notice co-star Sandra Bullock, who was eager to praise her leading man.
"Because for the most part Hugh is egoless, he's self deprecating," she said. "He's unbelievably smart and talented and that's frustrating to be around - I get a little jealous sometimes. But he's gifted and I don't think he knows how gifted he is."
Hugh, meanwhile, was clearly delighted with the award: "I don't really get many prizes and when I do I'm cockahoop," he enthused. The 43-year-old was applauded by an audience of his Hollywood peers, including silver screen heavyweights Robin Williams, Michael York and Jennifer Connelly.
Bafta/LA, the US arm of the British Film and Television Academy, said they decided to honour him "because his talent and keen intelligence has distinguished him as one of the best and brightest in contemporary drama".
And the actor, who is well-known for his self-deprecating humour, also proved that his intelligence is matched by wit. Asked about his work with Bridget Jones' Colin Firth, the cheeky star said his fellow Brit was getting a bit long in the tooth.
"It's very difficult to like Colin," he blurted. "I feel sorry for him in the regard that he is starting to look his age, poor old boy. The question that arises is: 'Is he too old for romantic comedy now?' I think he is – the problem is that one eye has started to droop a little."
Hugh, who is actually one day older than Colin, also revealed that turning his back on "nice guy" roles has helped boost his love life. "I've found recently that if I play less nice characters in films, girls like me better at parties," he revealed. "I don't know why, but it really does seem to work."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
