Actor crowned ‘Empire Icon’

IAN MCKELLEN was yesterday crowned the Empire Icon for his long and varied film career at the Jameson Empire Awards 2010.

The 70-year-old actor, who won an Oscar for his role as real-life filmmaker James Whale in Gods And Monsters and is loved by many for starring in The Lord Of The Rings trilogy and The X-Men films, was honoured at the ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.

The actor said: “I couldn’t be more surprised or delighted. Middle-earth rejoices!”