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British star Idris Elba won over the crowd with his acceptance speech when he and Naomie Harris were honored Monday at the 18th Capri-Hollywood Film Festival.
The two were handed prizes as best actor and supporting actress prizes for their work in “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” which screened at the event.
The international crowd ate it up when Elba said he is half Senegalese and half Sicilian (Sicily is about 200 miles from Capri).
Later, Elba sang “Volare” at a VIP party at Neapolitan nightclub Ana Mecori, where Senegalese dancers also performed. The festival, under founder-director Pascal Vicedomini, kicked off Dec. 26.
During an interview, the 41-year-old Elba admitted he’s “numb” to the attention and praise.
“It’s weird at the moment,” the star of TV’s Luther said. “My dad died eight, nine weeks ago,” he said, quietly. “He was 76. He died of lung cancer. I am having to deal with grief and it has taken a profound effect on me.”
Elba doesn’t want to sound ungrateful for his professional good fortune. “I put on a smile, put on the suits and I go on the red carpet. I do the work, and I’m doing it because that is what my old man would want me to do. He was very proud of me.”
Attendees at the evening included directors Billie August, Michael Radford and Terry Gilliam.
Sounded like a fun place to be!
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