Cruise wins German courage prize

Cruise was praised for pursuing brave projects

Tom Cruise has been given a courage award for his role in his forthcoming film Valkyrie at a ceremony in Germany.

He was handed the Bambi award for his portrayal of a Nazi officer in the film, about a failed assassination attempt on dictator Adolf Hitler.

The prize committee praised the actor for tackling a story that had never been covered by Hollywood before.

The Bambis are Germany's most prestigious media awards, covering film, television and music.

Other winners at the ceremony in Dusseldorf included Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria for the TV series international category.

'Amazed'

"I am totally amazed and blown away every time I get outside of America how popular Desperate Housewives is," she told reporters.

"For me to be here to accept this award and be in Germany and in an international community, it's an honour for me."

Italian actress Sophia Loren also received a lifetime achievement award - a prize she had previously been honoured with in 1961 and 1964.

"I love to come back here for this award because it brings back so many memories," she said.

The Bambis "honour people who have especially moved and elated the German audience with their vision and creativity", according to the organisers.

Past Bambi recipients include former United States President Bill Clinton, tennis star Boris Becker, boxing legend Muhammad Ali and actors Michael Douglas and Harrison Ford.