Golden Globe-winning actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers had hoped to emulate the coolness of George Clooney while accepting his award last month, but admitted the four steps to the stage were the longest four of his life.
Speaking at a civic reception in his honour at Cork City Hall last night, the 28-year-old, who stars in Woody Allen's Match Point, said winning a prestigious award such as a Golden Globe was beyond his wildest dreams.
The actor, who will soon appear alongside Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible III, said he was deeply touched to be granted a reception by lord mayor of Cork Cllr Deirdre Clune.
"To get this award in City Hall in Cork is important to me on a deep level. I wasn't born on Sunset Boulevard. I have been very lucky in life and I am grateful for the good things I have. When I got the Golden Globe it was like a dream come true for me."
Rhys Meyers won the award for his portrayal of Elvis Presley on US television.
Dublin-born Rhys Meyers, who grew up in Cork, said he was conscious the award wasn't for "saving lives". However, he expressed hope that it would inspire other young people to pursue their passions in life.
Meanwhile, the actor's mother, Geri Meyers-O'Keeffe, who celebrated her 49th birthday yesterday, said she knew Jonathan was destined to have an extraordinary life from the moment she set eyes on him.
"There he was sucking his thumb and looking so, so beautiful. He was always a beautiful child. I always knew in my heart and soul that he was never going to work with his hands. He was going to do something special. I am over the moon about this," she said.
Cllr Clune said Rhys Meyers's win was "a proud moment for his home town". The actor was presented with a commemorative plaque and January's Cork Person of the Month award for his outstanding contribution to the arts.