Scottish comedian and actor Sir Billy Connolly accepts Key West Film Festival’s Golden Key Award this week during the Key West Film Festival. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly
Sir Billy Connolly, the Scottish king of dry wit, who’s known by his Scots nickname of “The Big Yin,” or “The Big One,” made a rare public appearance this week at the Key West Film Festival, where Connolly received the festival’s Golden Key Award for his achievements in artistic excellence.
The award was presented by Connolly’s longtime friends and fellow stars, actors Steve Buscemi and Aidan Quinn.
Connolly, 82, suffers from health problems and uses a walking stick. He did not take the stage at the Williams Hall event, but stood as Buscemi passed him the blue, water-droplet-shaped award.
He told the crowd, “I walk with a stick because I suffer from a horrible illness. It’s a joy to live among you and it’s a joy to be among you tonight. I don’t often do this kind of thing, but it’s smashing. I have to thank you for this award. I don’t know what it is, it’s a blue thing. It’s a joy and it will go beside my other prizes.”
Connolly has a home in Key West, where his wife, Pamela Stephenson Connolly, is the founder and director of Key West International Dance Co.
Superstar actors Steve Buscemi and Aidan Quinn take part in the Key West Film Festival this week, presenting their longtime friend Sir Billy Connolly with the festival’s Golden Key Award. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly
