Sir Michael’s mark

LOS ANGELES:

Oscar-winner Michael Caine literally made his mark on Hollywood here on July 11, joining the ranks of movie legends who have sunk their hands and feet in concrete outside the Chinese Theatre.

The 75-year-old British actor was honoured at a ceremony in front of the Hollywood landmark attended by around 100 guests, including the director of Caine’s next film, the upcoming Batman sequel The Dark Knight. Caine, who has twice won best-supporting Oscars for his roles in Hannah and Her Sisters and The Cider House Rules, plays the caped crusader’s loyal butler Alfred in the keenly anticipated blockbuster, due out on July 18.

“It’s the only award of its kind in the world,” Caine told ABC7 television network. “I know you get your star on the Hollywood pavement, but there’s only been 192 of these since 1921, so they don’t throw them about, you know?”

The actor, who received a knighthood in 2000, has also been nominated for an Oscar for Alfie, Sleuth, Educating Rita and most recently The Quiet American. He has appeared in over 100 films during a career that has spanned a half-century.

Caine says the late Heath Ledger will receive a posthumous Oscar nomination for his role as The Joker in The Dark Knight, reports contactmusic.com.

Caine said, “I think he’ll get a posthumous Oscar nomination at least. I just watched him and talked to him for three days and I thought he was extraordinary.”