5 NOVEMBER 2004

Hollywood heavyweight Tom Hanks received a very British honour this week, when he was presented with the Britannia Award for Excellence in Film at the LA Baftas. The double Oscar-winner received the gong from Meg Ryan at a glitzy prize-giving ceremony in the Beverly Hilton.

He was applauded by some of the UK's most celebrated acting talents when he collected the trophy. Helen Mirren, in a flowing white creation with spaghetti straps, also had reason to smile, after Michael Caine presented her with an award for her acting achievements. Also among the British contingent was Reversal Of Fortune actor Jeremy Irons.

"The recipients this year all have wonderful and multiple talents," said organiser Donald Haber. "Helen especially is someone who really represents all that's wonderful about British actors with their ability to work in all formats."

The LA Baftas have been steadily growing in importance since they were first established 13 years ago. And director Jim Sheridan, who was likewise honoured at this year's event, was eager to praise the British Academy Of Film And Television Arts' work: "I was delighted," he said. "Bafta/LA is a really good organization. I didn't think I'd be out here in Los Angeles getting a Bafta award."