Javier Bardem gets Hollywood star

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-20265440

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Academy award-winning actor Javier Bardem has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Bardem, who plays villain Silva in the latest Bond movie Skyfall, was joined by his female co-stars Naomie Harris and Berenice Marlohe.

"It's too soon for me," he said, "But it's a great honour to receive it."

Skyfall opens in US theatres on Friday, after becoming the highest-grossing 007 film in the UK to date, with box office takings of more than £57m in 12 days.

"I grew up in a family of filmmakers and actors dating back, back, back to the earliest days of Spanish cinema," he said. "And I've been lucky enough to work as a professional actor for 25 years.

"I share this honour with all the amazing directors in Spain and out of Spain who took a chance on me."

Bardem received a best supporting actor Oscar for his role in the Coen brothers film No Country for Old Men in 2008. He has also received two further nominations for best actor, in 2001 (for Before Night Falls) and 2011 (for Biutiful).

Other career highlights include roles in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, The Sea Inside and Jamon Jamon.

Skyfall director Sam Mendes joined Bardem outside Los Angeles' El Capitan Theatre: "For me, he's part of the great tradition that includes Brando and Burton. He's our Brando and our Burton for this generation."

Mendes added: "He's hating this, it's making him very embarrassed. Even though he's a great actor, I suspect he would not describe himself as an actor first. Because first he's also a husband and a father."

The actor is married to fellow Spaniard, Penelope Cruz. They have a one-year-old son, Leo.

The 23rd Bond film, Skyfall, has overtaken Batman movie The Dark Knight, which was previously the biggest hit of 2012 in the UK.

Daniel Craig's first film in the role of the secret service agent, Casino Royal, set the previous Bond record for box office takings in 2006 with £55.6m.

Producer Barbara Broccoli said: "We are thrilled and proud to reach this box office landmark in record time and are delighted that UK audiences continue to enjoy Skyfall."

The film follows Raoul Silva, played by Bardem, as he causes chaos at MI6 in his effort to settle a score with Dame Judi Dench's character M.