Duvall wins lifetime achievemnt award

After 40 years as an actor, Robert Duvall is getting offered more roles than ever before.

And the Oscar winning Hollywood star’s versatility was recognised today when he was given a lifetime achievement award at the San Sebastian film festival in Spain.

“I like finding my limits to be a versatile actor,” said Duvall, a star of The Godfather and Apocalypse Now.

“Acting is fun. It’s a wonderful profession.”

In one of the few times Duvall played a lead role – Tender Mercies in 1983 - he won an Oscar.

But Duvall claims he never felt jealous of not playing major roles in his movies.

“I just wondered how I would have played a leading character. A supporting actor is paid well and sometimes is even more important than the leading role,” said the 72-year-old.

“It’s a blessing to be a character actor, which I’ve always enjoyed being.”

In addition to his Oscar triumph, Duvall also received nominations for his roles in Apocalypse Now and The Great Santini.

The festival said Duvall had a “face of unmistakable power” and his work “always guarantees solidity”.

Duvall acknowledged that he’s getting more acting offers the older he gets.

In the past 18 months alone, Duvall’s roles have included Robert E. Lee in Gods and Generals and a trail boss in Kevin Costner’s Western Open Range which closes the festival tomorrow.