Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen was handed a a lifetime achievement award for his illustrious acting career at a film festival in Spain on Wednesday evening (23Sep09).
The veteran star was guest of honour at the San Sebastian International Film Festival, picking up the Donostia Award to mark his 40 years in Hollywood.
The 71 year old told the audience he was "very gratified" to receive the prize "because it's not just for a character but for a career".
McKellen also revealed his favourite role - his character in the The Lord of the Rings.
He added, "Gandalf is a wonderful character - I'm a big fan of Gandalf."
Previous recipients of the prestigious award include Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep and Richard Gere.
And the actor looks set to reprise the role of Gandalf in the up coming adaptation of The Hobbit which is expected to reach cinemas by 2011.
The movie sees Guillermo Del Toro take over the director's chair with Peter Jackson penning the script and taking on the role of producer.
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