It’s glittering Glenn and dewy-eyed Grant’s Oscar double act
YOU couldn’t fault Richard E Grant for enthusiasm on the red carpet this awards season.
Taking selfie after selfie – and flaunting that inimitable smile – he’s clearly been unable to contain his wide-eyed excitement.
But the actor cut a more sombre figure on the eve of last night’s Oscars, paying tribute to Aids sufferers as he picked up a gong at another awards ceremony.
Holding back tears Grant, 61, dropped to his knees after Glenn Close announced he had won best supporting male for his part in Can You Ever Forgive Me? at the Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica.
Of his role as Jack Hock, a forger’s assistant, he then told the room: ‘The person that most inspired my performance was an actor called Ian Charleson, who played the lead role in Chariots of Fire in 1981.
‘He died of Aids at the age of 40 in 1990 and this movie is an homage to that generation of men who were wiped out by that disease.’
He also dedicated the film to Sir Daniel Day- Lewis, who passed on Grant’s career-making role in 1987’s Withnail and I. Grant, who was also nominated for the best supporting actor Oscar, said: ‘It was 33 years ago, which is why I’m here now.’
Even with his powerful speech, the British- Swazi actor was almost upstaged by a four-legged guest – Miss Close’s Havanese dog Pip.
As she walked him along the red carpet, the actress described her furry plus-one as ‘ the best date a girl can have’. And when she went up to collect best female lead for her part in The Wife, Pip dutifully followed her on stage. The 71, later Dangerous changed Liaisons out of star, her crinkled pink trouser suit by Sies Marjan and into a black Armani ensemble as she took Pip to a party at the brand’s boutique on Rodeo Drive.
When the Mail asked her if he would be her date at the Oscars, where she was also nominated for best actress, she said: ‘Probably not, no. Too many people. He’d be quite at home though and he does like people. It’s a long day and I’d have to take his food … in any case, Pip hasn’t got anything to wear.’
The seven-time nominee was up against Olivia Colman for best actress last night.
Miss Colman, who was nominated for her performance as
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‘So for the other four nominees, it’s for us to enjoy the ride and the party of it all.’