Tom Cruise with the Legend in Our Lifetime award at the Empire Magazine Film Awards at the Grosvenor Hotel in London. Photos: Ian West/PA WireTom Cruise with the Legend in Our Lifetime award at the Empire Magazine Film Awards at the Grosvenor Hotel in London. Photos: Ian West/PA Wire

Mission: Impossible star Tom Cruise joked ‘lady luck’ has been on his side as he accepted a lifetime achievement award.

The Hollywood actor received the Legend of our Lifetime gong from his Jack Reacher co-star Rosamund Pike at the 2014 Empire Awards in London.

“I feel really fortunate, because it was my dream to be able to make films and I’ve had an incredible time so far,” he said.

“I’ve spent an incredible part of my life in studios and sound booths and on sets all over the world, [and] so many people I’ve learned from... I do know it takes an incredible amount of endurance, hard work and a little bit of luck – maybe a lot of luck,” he continued.

The 51-year-old added: “Thank you to the audiences for watching. I made the movies for you.”

Action star Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed he hit the gym before receiving his Action Hero of a Lifetime award.

The 66-year-old actor was presented with the gong by Jonathan Ross at the ceremony, at the Grosvenor House hotel on Park Lane in central London.

“The first thing I did was to work out and then the second thing I did was to have some good British desserts, so that I gained the weight back after working out,” he said on the red carpet.

In his acceptance speech, he admitted being stubborn was behind his success.

“My advice is never take no for an answer,” he said.

“I was told I’d never get into bodybuilding. I was told I’d never make it in the movie business.

“They said I was too big, they said it wouldn’t work with my accent. I never listened to them, and I went on to have a successful career.

I feel really fortunate, because it was my dream to be able to make films and I’ve had an incredible time so far

“So never take no for an answer. So thank you, and I’ll be back,” he added, using his trademark line from The Terminator.

The awards saw Hollywood stars such as Cruise and Hugh Jackman mingling with the cream of British talent such as James McAvoy, Simon Pegg, Emma Thompson and Steve Coogan.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Emma Thompson at the awards show.Arnold Schwarzenegger and Emma Thompson at the awards show.

Captain Phillips film-maker Paul Greengrass received the Inspiration award.

“When you direct, you need good actors. Only the actor can solve all your problems in one moment, can take a line that doesn’t work, and by moving can show you the set – only the actor can do it all,” he said. “Over the years I have come to realise the commitment, the courage and the comradeship of the actor.”

Scottish star McAvoy urged the crowd to drink up as he accepted the best actor award for his portrayal of troubled Bruce Robertson in Filth.

His X-Men: Days of Future Past co-star Jackman was given the Icon award by Oscar-winning director Darren Aronofsky.

“Getting an award that has the word ‘icon’ on it in a room with Tom Cruise, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Emma Thompson is ridiculous. But thank you,” he said.

Michael Fassbender won the best supporting actor for his role in Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave.

Sally Hawkins dedicated her best supporting actress award to her mother. She was presented with the award for her performance in Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine by Richard E Grant.

Other winners chosen by the film magazine included Steve Coogan’s Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, which won best comedy; The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug took home best sci-fi fantasy; The Conjuring was awarded best horror and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire was voted best thriller.

Gravity scooped two awards – best director for Alfonso Cuarón and the prestigious best film accolade.

Aidan Turner was chosen as best male newcomer for his performance in The Hobbit films, while Margot Robbie won best female newcomer for her role in Martin Scorsese’s Wolf in Wall Street.

James Nesbitt hosted the Jameson Empire Awards, now in its 19th year.

Main winners

Best male newcomer: Aidan Turner
Best female newcomer: Margot Robbie
Best horror: The Conjuring
Best comedy: Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa
Best thriller: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Best sci-fi/fantasy: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Best supporting actor: Michael Fassbender
Best supporting actress: Sally Hawkins
Best British film: The World’s End
Best actress: Emma Thompson
Best actor: James McAvoy
Best director: Alfonso Cuarón
Best film: Gravity
Legend of our Lifetime: Tom Cruise
Action Hero of a Lifetime: Arnold Schwarzenegger

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