Oscar For O’Toole

After seven nominations for the best actor gong but no win, hard-drinking legend Peter O'Toole will finally be going home clutching a little gold man as well as a pint or two at this year's Oscars ceremony. For the board of governors at the 75th anniversary Academy Awards have deemed that the inimitable O'Toole will be feted with no less than an Honorary Oscar. Bestowed for "exceptional distinction in the making of motion pictures or for outstanding service to the Academy," the Honorary Oscars have been dished out to such cinematic luminaries as Bob Hope (twice), Gene Kelly, Frederico Fellini and most recently Sidney Poitier. As well as downing pints with mate Richard Harris, O'Toole has found time to deliver performances which have "ignited the screen for more than four decades" commented Academy President Frank Pierson. "He's seven times been nominated as best actor, which puts him in extremely rarefied air for a performer. The board of governors felt it was time for him to hold his own Oscar in his hands." Embodying such praise from his peers, the citation on the actor's statuette will read, "Peter O'Toole