Colin Firth wins Variety Magazine award

English actor Colin Firth has been honoured with a Variety Magazine International Star of the Year award at the Dubai International Film Festival, which has kicked off in the Middle East.

The 50-year-old, who endeared himself to a legion of Jane Austen fans with his portrayal of Mr Darcy in the 1995 television adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, is starring in The King's Speech, which opened the festival.

He received the gong from actress Carey Mulligan earlier this week during a public In Conversation session at the festival where he also attended the opening gala of the event.

Directed by Tom Hooper, the historical drama sees Firth play King George VI, with Geoffrey Rush taking on the role of his speech therapist Lionel Logue, who helped him overcome a stammer.

The movie, which also stars Helena Bonham Carter as the Queen Mother, has received critical acclaim, winning the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival People's Choice Award and seven Golden Globe nominations.