Will Ferrell's ‘panicky’ coke joke gets standing ovation at GQ Awards

Standing ovation: Will Ferrell and Steve Coogan at the GQ Men of the Year Awards
Dave Benett
Alistair Foster9 September 2015
The Weekender

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Will Ferrell stole the show at the GQ Men of the Year Awards with a risque speech joking about taking drugs to overcome nerves as he collected the comedian of the year prize.

The actor, who had flown in from the US to receive the honour, got a standing ovation at the Royal Opera House from an audience including Keith Richards, Sir Elton John, Sam Smith, Stephen Fry and Hollywood actor Paul Rudd.

With his face contorted in panic, Ferrell said: “I feel a little emotional, partly because of this award and partly because I was afraid my speech would be too slow and I did a little bit of cocaine in the bathroom…”

The comedian and fellow US star Samuel L Jackson, who was hosting the event, lifted the mood after Bob Geldof and Steve Coogan attacked Chancellor George Osborne, who received the politician of the year award.

GQ Men of the Year Awards 2015

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Addressing Sir Elton, Jackson said: “Every time I see a picture of you these days, you always dress so casually. And then I remember what you wore in the Seventies and Eighties and I thought, okay, that’s fair.”

He later told the Standard that new movie The Hateful Eight was Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece, saying: “I’ve never made a film where every cast member is so eager to see the final cut.”

Rudd was given the leading man honour by Chris O’Dowd, while singer Smith hailed an “amazing day” as he was named solo artist of the year hours after it was confirmed that he will sing the theme for the new Bond movie.

Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards was named legend of the year. His bandmate Ronnie Wood presented James Bay with the breakthrough musician award, while Lewis Hamilton was sportsman of the year. Other winners included Blur, James Corden, cricketer Stuart Broad, Lionel Richie and Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke.

The editor’s special award went to Chelsea manager José Mourinho, who said: “In my career I’ve received a few awards, and I know why, because I win football matches.

“But this is the first award I’ve got and I don’t know why [I’ve been given it], but thank you.”

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