The participation of two-time Academy Award winner, Kevin Spacey was an astounding success at the IIFA Weekend & Awards in Tampa Bay with the media and fans on Saturday 26th April 2014. It saw the Hollywood actor showcase his art and share knowledge with the indian film industry at the master class and even included him giving Indian culture a chance with Indian dance moves last weekend at the 15th annual IIFA Awards. ‘House of Cards’ phenomenon and global superstar, Kevin Spacey wowed audiences in Tampa at the IIFA Masterclass panel alongside International Indian starlet and upcoming Indian film Mary Kom star, Priyanka Chopra. When asked about his thought of the two worlds (Bollywood & Hollywood) meeting to open the IIFA Masterclass panel Kevin responded, “Well, it’s about (expletive) time” much to the delight of the audience on hand and was welcomed with applause and cheers from the large gathering of Indian film fraternity in the audience. The two actors exchanged notes on acting, piracy, films and even reviving the theatre scene. Spacey also imitated Bill Clinton and his views on having seen ‘House of Cards’ and also mimicked the Godfather himself, Al Pacino among his many entertaining moments.
Later that evening as he made his way down the IIFA green carpet ahead of the 15th Tata Motors IIFA Awards ceremony, Spacey walked the star walk with Indian Cinema’s top billed actress Deepika Padukone and provided a photo opportunity together much to the delight of international media.
Hailed as the most memorable moment and highlight of the night for everyone, the Hollywood actor joined the actress and the two IIFA Awards hosts, actors Shahid Kapoor and Farhan Akthar for a dance performance. Together the actors donned lungi’s (Indian sarongs) and matched steps to the 2013 global hit, ‘Lungi Dance’ before a 25,000 strong crowd at the Raymond James Stadium that went wild in appreciation and acknowledgement of the moment. Spacey wowed audiences with his knowledge of Indian dance and impromptu steps that will be watched by millions in June, when the Awards play out on global television. Kevin Spacey’s award presentation provided yet another great entertaining moment from the acclaimed actor with Deepika Padukone. The Awards night also saw a brilliant selfie among Spacey and several Indian stars in front of the live audience.
Andre Timmins, Director – IIFA & Wizcraft said, “It was an absolute honour for us to have been able to host and welcome Mr. Kevin Spacey at the IIFA Weekend & Awards this year. Since the inception of IIFA in 2000 it has been my dream to use the platform and stage of IIFA to bring together the two world’s greatest Indian film industry’s ‘Bollywood & Hollywood’ and this year for our 15th Annual edition of the IIFA Awards this dream was realised with the participation of Kevin Spacey through his sporting and entertaining personality in participating at the Awards. He gave us one of the most entertaining and memorable IIFA Awards ever and brought major worldwide success to the event. He was welcomed and loved by the Indian film industry present who were all great fans of the actor. We hope to have him join us again and would love to work more closely with him to develop even more participation and great entertainment for our audiences next time.
