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!”

Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes picked up the Best Thriller award, while Jude Law, who plays Dr Watson in the film, was awarded the title of Empire Hero, while British actor Aaron Johnson, 19, – who won praise for his portrayal of a young John Lennon in Nowhere Boy and more recently in action comedy Kick Ass – was named Best Newcomer presented by Kiss 100.