Renowned actor Colin Firth, the star of the opening film of the seventh Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), The King’s Speech, interacted with visitors to the festival at the ‘In Conversation’ session. It followed the actor being presented with the Variety ‘International Star of the Year’ Award today (Monday, Dec. 13) at the First Group Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah, from 4 to 5pm. 

Shivani Pandya, DIFF Managing Director, said:

"Colin Firth is among the most renowned names in the entertainment industry, and it is DIFF's honour to bestow the ‘International Star of the Year,' one of the most highly-ranked awards to him. Variety is at the forefront of promoting global dialogue in cinema and for DIFF, it is a perfect fit to host the award ceremony."

Actress Carey Mulligan (An Education; Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps) was in Dubai to present the award to Colin Firth.

The English thespian, Colin Firth's memorable performances include his depiction of Mr. Darcy on the 1995 television series of Pride and Prejudice, Bridget Jones' Diary with co-stars Renée Zellweger and Hugh Grant, and BAFTA Award-winner A Single Man.

Last year, the DIFF presented Scottish actor Gerard Butler with the Variety ‘International Star of the Year' Award.