The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Thanks for watching, says ‘Legend’ Cruise
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE starTom Cruise joked Lady Luck has been on his side as he accepted a lifetime achievement award last night.
The Hollywood actor received the Legend of our Lifetime gong from his Jack Reacher co-star Rosamund Pike at the 2014 Empire Awards in London.
“I feel really fortunate, because it was my dream to be able to make films and I’ve had an incredible time so far,” he said.
“I’ve spent an incredible part of my life in studios and sound booths and on sets all over the world, (and) so many people I’ve learned from... I do know it takes an incredible amount of endurance, hard work and a little bit of luck — maybe a lot of luck,” he continued.
The 51-year-old added: “Thank you to the audiences for watching. I made the movies for you.”
Action star Arnold Schwarzenegger, receiving his Action Hero of a Lifetime award, said: “My advice is never take no for an answer,” he said. “I was told I’d never get into bodybuilding. I was told I’d never make it in the movie business. They said I was too big, they said it wouldn’t work with my accent. I never listened to them, and I went on to have a successful career.
“So never take no for an answer. So thank you, and I’ll be back,” he added, using his trademark line from The Terminator.
The awards saw Hollywood stars such as Tom Cruise and Hugh Jackman mingling with the cream of British talent such as James McAvoy, Simon Pegg, Emma Thompson and Steve Coogan.
Captain Phillips f ilm-maker Paul Greengrass received the Inspiration award.
“When you direct, you need good actors. Only the actor can solve all your problems in one moment, can take a line that doesn’t work, and by moving can show you the set — only the actor can do it all,” he said.
Scottish star McAvoy urged the crowd to drink up as he accepted the best actor award for his portrayal of troubled Bruce Robertson in Filth.
“I haven’t come up with a speech but I love you all,” he said.
Michael Fassbender won the best supporting actor for his role in Steve McQueen’s 12Years A Slave.
He said via video message: “I would be there if I could but I’m out of country working. Thank you. This will be nice to place on the mantelpiece.”
Aidan Turner was chosen as best Male Newcomer for his performance in The Hobbit films, while Margot Robbie won best Female Newcomer for her role in Martin Scorsese’s Wolf of Wall Street.