Friday, Oct 25, 2013
A long ways away from his birthplace of Longview, Texas, man of the week Forest Whitaker was made to feel at home in the capital city of the UAE. During an exclusive opening night ceremony of the seventh edition Abu Dhabi Film Festival, the Oscar and BAFTA award-winning actor was honoured with one of two Black Pearl Career Achievement Awards.
A smiling Whitaker took to the stage at the Emirates Palace Auditorium on Thursday night to a roaring applause and a few encouraging whistles from the thrilled guests. The audience were quick to get to their feet for a standing ovation as Whitaker accepted his award from festival director Ali Al Jabri, and the Last King of Scotland star sounded aptly humbled as he took his place at the podium.
“It’s wonderful to be here in this beautiful city to receive the Black Pearl Award, for a lot of reasons,” Whitaker said. “I’ve learnt a lot about this Black Pearl Award, and its reference to sacrifice and hard work ... and I’m thankful that you would think of me that way.”
Much to the delight of the crowd, Whitaker began crooning something in Arabic at the end of his speech. Though it wasn’t immediately clear what he was singing, the multitalented actor, director and producer said he has learnt a few lines from the Quran, wowing the audience as he closed out his speech with a verse.
Prior to the ceremony, the charmer stopped to sign autographs and chat with reporters on the red carpet. Whitaker spoke on the importance of connecting people around the globe and dismissed questions about possible Oscar buzz for his latest movie The Butler, insisting that awards were not his priority.
“The fact that they invited me here to receive the career achievement award is very important, because it shows that I’m connecting in some way to the people here,” said Whitaker. “That’s what I’m working for — that’s what I try to do.”
By Marwa Hamad, Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2013. All rights reserved.
