'Gladiator' actor Russell Crowe feted in Rome
ROME (AP) - Russell Crowe, who won a best actor Academy Award for portraying a gladiator in the 2000 film of the same name, was feted Friday by the city of Rome, home to the Colosseum where real gladiators clashed before thousands of spectators through the time of the Roman Empire.
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri welcomed the actor to City Hall which sits atop the ancient Capitoline Hill, stepping out on a balcony with Crowe to show off a sweeping view of the ancient Roman Forum.
Crowe was given a plaque and the title of "ambassador or Rome in the world."
The actor, speaking Italian, said, "I am always at the service of Rome."
In the film, Crowe portrayed Maximus, who was a general forced into slavery before turning into a gladiator
Crowe is in Rome these days for the city´s film festival, where a movie he directed and stars in, "Poker Face," is having its world premiere.
Actor Russell Crowe, left, and Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri wave to photographers from the balcony of the mayor's studio, prior to the "Ambassador of Rome in the World" award ceremony, in Rome's Capitol Hill, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
The mayor said the city was giving the plaque "as the symbol of friendship and affection of Rome for Russell Crowe."
Actor Russel Crowe, left, and Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri talk on the terrace of the mayor's studio, prior to the "Ambassador of Rome in the World" award ceremony, in Rome's Capitol Hill, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Actor Russel Crowe, left, and Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri wave to photographers from the terrace of the mayor's studio, prior to the "Ambassador of Rome in the World" award ceremony, in Rome's Capitol Hill, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Actor Russel Crowe arrives at Rome's Capitol Hill to receive the "Ambassador of Rome in the World" award, in Rome, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Actor Russel Crowe, left, poses under a statue of ancient Roman emperor Julius Cesar with the "Ambassador of Rome in the World" award he received from Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri, in Rome's Capitol Hill, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Actor Russel Crowe, left, poses under a statue of ancient Roman emperor Julius Cesar with the "Ambassador of Rome in the World" award he received from Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri, in Rome's Capitol Hill, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Actor Russel Crowe, center, poses for photos with Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri after he received the "Ambassador of Rome in the World" award, in Rome's Capitol Hill, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Actor Russel Crowe, center, poses for photos with Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri, right, after he received the "Ambassador of Rome in the World" award, in Rome's Capitol Hill, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Actor Russel Crowe, left, receives the "Ambassador of Rome in the World" award from the hands of Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri, in Rome's Capitol Hill, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
