Quote: "The country has made my career, made Forest Whitaker's career, the director Kevin Macdonald's career. Every crew member and every cast member has had about three leg-ups the career ladder because of the film." James McAvoy, on the impact of THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND, about Uganda under Idi Amin's rule.
Fact: Forest Whitaker gained 50 pounds (110 kilograms), used makeup to darken his skin, studied Swahili and learned to play the accordion for the role of Idi Amin in THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND.
Fact: The cast of Oscar-tipped THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND returned to location in Uganda for the movie's African premiere last night (18FEB07). Forest Whitaker and James McAvoy were welcomed in capital city Kampala by a troupe of local dancers and drummers for the opening night of the Idi Amin biopic.
Quote: "Idi Amin wrote love letters to the Queen, he offered himself as her lover. FOREST (WHITAKER), if you're willing, I think there may be some takers." Peter Morgan, who wrote the screenplays for both THE QUEEN and Idi Amin film THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND, links the two at the BAFTAS.
Quote: "This means a lot because to be embraced by another shore is a special thing. I try to think of myself as a citizen of the planet... to touch people in the world." A moved Forest Whitaker after lifting the Best Actor BAFTA for his portrayal of Idi Amin in THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND.
Fact: Forest Whitaker has picked up 21 critics and guild awards this awards season for his portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND.
Fact: Movie star Forest Whitaker is to play tyrannical late Ugandan President Idi Amin in new movie THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND. The film will open the 50th London Film Festival in October (06).