4 JUNE 2002
Hollywood couple Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith were honoured at the 2002 Stella Adler Awards in Los Angeles on Saturday, receiving the Adler Angel gong for their extensive charity work. And the two, joined at the ceremony by Melanie’s mum, The Birds star Tippi Hedren, weren’t just awarded a trophy – they also laid their palm prints in cement for Tinseltown posterity.

Named after the famed acting coach, the event, held at the Hollywood and Highland complex, home of the Oscars, also paid tribute to American film star James Coburn, who received a lifetime achievement gong.

While Antonio has been feted twice in the last month – he received the first Anthony Quinn Award For Excellence at the American Latino Media Awards in May – his mother-in-law Tippi also has something to celebrate. The 67-year-old actress, who is also known for her work in animal rights causes, is set to wed her love, veterinarian Martin Dinnes. Her fiancé was the first vet hired at Shambala, Tippi’s sanctuary for big cats, in 1972 – and it seems the happy couple hasn’t ruled out the reserve as a wedding site.

“It would make a perfect setting,” says the Hitchcock star, “but then there are lots of places that might be perfect. We haven’t decided yet.” Wherever the location, revealed Tippi, the nuptials will likely be held towards the end of 2002.