Sir Billy Connolly, the renowned Scottish comedian and actor, was honored at the Key West Film Festival this week. During the event, he received the prestigious Golden Key Award, recognizing his remarkable achievements in the arts.
Key West Film Festival Highlights
The festival took place at Williams Hall, where Connolly, affectionately known as “The Big Yin,” made a rare public appearance. At 82 years old, he navigated the event with the help of a walking stick due to ongoing health issues.
An Emotional Acceptance
As Connolly accepted the award, it was presented to him by his close friends, actors Steve Buscemi and Aidan Quinn. Although he did not take the stage, he expressed his gratitude to the audience.
- Connolly remarked, “It’s a joy to live among you and it’s a joy to be among you tonight.”
- He humorously noted, “I don’t often do this kind of thing, but it’s smashing.”
- He referred to the award as a “blue thing,” which he would cherish alongside his other accolades.
Connections to Key West
Connolly has personal ties to Key West, where he resides with his wife, Pamela Stephenson Connolly. She is the founder and director of the Key West International Dance Co., adding to the cultural fabric of the community.
This week’s festival highlighted not only Connolly’s artistic contributions but also the enduring friendships in the entertainment industry. The presence of Buscemi and Quinn underscored the camaraderie among these talented individuals.
As the festival celebrated artistic excellence, it also brought together fans and friends to honor a legend of comedy and film.
