Britain honours movie king

Royal assent: Prince Andrew honours Spielberg in LA

Stars of the British film industry joined Prince Andrew in Los Angeles on Saturday to honour the work of director Steven Spielberg.

Spielberg, whose works includes Jaws, ET and Schindler's List, received the special Britannia Award for excellence in film.

Famous names including Ben Kingsley and Brenda Blethyn applauded Spielberg as he paid tribute to the influence of British films on Hollywood.

"The British film industry has created more than a ripple for the last 65 years. It has been a tidal wave of creativity," he said.

The award was made in honour of the American film director Stanley Kubrick who died last year. The director of A Clockwork Orange and Paths of Glory made his home in England.

Spielberg has collected a series of prestigous gongs

Spielberg has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including several Oscars and Golden Globe awards.

Saturday's event at the Century Plaza Hotel, in Los Angeles, attracted well known names including Jeff Goldblum and Jane Seymour.

There are 700 members of Bafta in Hollywood. The Britannia Award is their most prestigious annual event.

Prince Andrew has been touring California promoting British business.

He told the audience of celebrities: "I've only been in Los Angeles for a short time, but I've seen a tremendous amount of work by Hollywood's elite. I believe the term is schmoozing."