Al Pacino Made A Fellow By British Film Institute

He attends the star-studded Fellowship ceremony in London

Published 25th Sep 2014

Movie legend Al Pacino has been made a fellow of the British Film Institute (BFI).

The Scarface, Godfather and Scent of a Woman actor attended the dinner at the Corinthia Hotel in London last night (24th September) where he received the prestigious honour BFI chairman Greg Dyke.

He told the audience at the glitzy ceremony: "This is such a great honour... the BFI is a wonderful thing, how it keeps films alive.

"It's an honour to be here and receive this. I'm overwhelmed – people I've adored have received this award. I appreciate this so much, thank you."

! Al Pacino and his 35-year-old girlfriend Lucila Sola

The 74-year-old icon joins fellow BFI fellows Sir Michael Caine, Clint Eastwood, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ridley Scott, Martin Scorsese, Ken Loach and Orson Welles.

Founded in 1983, BFI Fellowships are awarded to film and programme makers around the world to recognise their distinguished careers. To date, 78 have been awarded.

Presenting Al Pacino with his award, Greg Dyke said: "Al Pacino is one of the greatest actors the world has ever seen, and a visionary director of stage and screen.

"His extraordinary body of work has made him one of the most recognisable and best-loved stars of the big screen, whose films enthral and delight audiences across the globe."

! Joan Collins attending the Al Pacino BFI Fellowship dinner

Other film greats in attendance last night included Joan Collins, John Hurt and Monty Python star and acclaimed movie director Terry Gilliam.

Last week we spoke to Al Pacino at the windy red carpet of his new film Salome. He told us why he loved the UK, while his co-star Jessica Chastain had high praise for her fellow actor. Listen to what they had to say below: