Whitaker awarded Hollywood star

Whitaker is both an actor and director

Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker has been awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The 45-year-old won a host of awards for his portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland.

The honour represents "where I came from, and where I am going and hopefully where I am at right now", he said at the ceremony.

Whitaker started acting in 1982's teen hit Fast Times at Ridgemont High after an injury ended his sporting career.

He went on to star in such films as Clint Eastwood's Charlie Parker biopic Bird, The Crying Game and as a hulking assassin in Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai.

His directing credits include Waiting to Exhale and Hope Floats.