Jeremy Irons honoured at Taormina Festival

London: ‘The Man in the Iron Mask’ star Jeremy Irons was the toast of the Taormina Film Fest in Italy as he picked up a top prize and was hailed by organisers as one of the world`s best actors.

The 64-year-old actor arrived at the film festival in Sicily to unveil ‘Trashed’, a documentary about the world`s waste problems which he produced and starred in, reported Daily Star. He attended a screening and hosted a discussion for students and journalists, before being handed the Taormina Arte prize during a ceremony at the packed Teatro Antico venue. Festival artistic director Mario Sesti called Irons "one of the greatest living actors" as he presented him with the award. "I`ll keep this short, because I have learned tonight that there is nothing more dangerous than a man, a stage, and a microphone," Irons said. The 59th annual event was struck by tragedy when it emerged `The Sopranos` star James Gandolfini, who was due to be honoured with a prize at the closing ceremony of Taormina, died in Rome after reportedly suffering a heart attack. PTI