LA Baftas honour British and US talent

A HOST of stars have been honoured by Bafta Los Angeles at the glittering Britannia Awards.

The ceremony, which celebrates British talent and Hollywood stars with a “strong connection” to the UK film industry, recognised a host of A-list stars, including Ewan McGregor, Samuel L Jackson, Ricky Gervais, Felicity Jones and director Ang Lee.

Jodie Foster was presented with the Stanley Kubrick Britannia award for excellence in film during the ceremony.

Meanwhile Gervais joked that his prize – the Charlie Chaplin Britannia award for excellence in comedy – showed the industry recognised him as a greater talent than Hollywood’s most famous silent comedian.

The Office co-creator said: “What I’m taking from this is you, and everyone in showbusiness, is saying to me that I’m better than Charlie Chaplin. I humbly accept this award.”

Ewan McGregor, 45, received the Britannia humanitarian award to honour his work with the charity Unicef.

And Samuel L Jackson, 57, appeared visibly moved as he received the Albert R Broccoli Britannia award for worldwide contribution to entertainment.

Elsewhere Oscar-winning director Lee, 62, was honoured with the John Schlesinger Britannia award for excellence in directing.

And finally Tom Hanks presented Felicity Jones with the British artist of the year award in recognition of her achievements in 2016.