Elba's double win is also significant in the context of the outcry over this year's all-white Oscar acting nominees, especially given that his Beasts of No Nation performance was among those many believe should have been recognised.
Director Antoine Fuqua told The Daily Star: “Idris could do it if he was really tight and in shape. He doesn't look 45. No one would even know. "When Sean Connery stepped into the scene he was a rough old dude.”
When did you last feel really happy?
When my son Winston was born. And watching the magic that is childbirth. Of course I was there. Did I feel like a spare part? Nah, but I don’t want to talk about it.
“Awards and honours come in all shapes and sizes and all as significant as the other. But this is beyond special as it comes from Queen and country, and I couldn’t be more proud for receiving this right now. What a year. On me head son!”