Actor James Earl Jones has received an honorary Oscar on the London stage, to the surprise of his matinee audience.

Jones, currently starring opposite Vanessa Redgrave in Driving Miss Daisy - said he was "plain gobsmacked" as he accepted the award.

The 80-year-old was presented with his Oscar on stage by Sir Ben Kingsley.

Jones, whose film credits include Patriot Games and The Hunt for Red October, remains best known as the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars.

The honour formed part of the 3rd annual Governors Awards, which also saw chat show queen Oprah Winfrey and make-up artist Dick Smith receive honorary awards.

Jones was due to receive his Oscar in person but decided he did not want to interrupt his run in the London play. Instead, he accepted it via video link.