Interview: Colin Firth masters the art of getting older, wiser and better (The Examiner)

Congratulations on winning the award for best actor at this year’s Venice Film Festival. People seemed to be impressed that you accepted the award in Italian. Your accent was pretty flawless. Did you pick up any tips from your wife on how to speak Italian? [Firth’s wife, Livia Giuggioli, is from Italy.]
No, she hasn’t taught me a damn thing! [He laughs.] I did know [I won the award] a few hours before. Word gets around a little bit. I’m not supposed to say that. The camera wasn’t on me when they announced it, so I didn’t have to do one those [he does a fake surprised expression on his face]. I knew nothing about [which film] won the Golden Lion Award or anybody else’s.
But I didn’t have to fake how I felt. Even when I talk about it now, still, it makes me a little speechless. What I first thought was, "That’s why people cry at the Oscars!" I’d never understood it. I wasn’t about to cry, but I can see why people get their breath taken away. It really is unexpected. It disarms. More

Interview: Colin Firth doesn't always have to play the romantic (Vancouver Sun)

"There are certain times in one's career when you take a role out of necessity. You just need a job. That's a very real concern for almost every actor. But the luxury of being employed on a regular basis is you can afford to, you know, evaluate each project and what it means to you," he says.

"That's not to say I think I've made some shabby choices in the past. It just means I can make a noble choice over a shabby one."

The eyes smile. The mouth does not. More

Interview: Colin Firth: Making Dorian Gray Was Challenging (Sky News)

The pair say they've become good friends but that hasn't stopped Colin from being honest about Ben's flaws.

"He's a real talent, I could see that from the first few scenes we worked together. But he keeps coming back to me for advice and when I offer it I just see this disappointment on his face every time. But he doesn't learn." more

Article: Basildon Park in £1 million face-lift (BBC Berkshire)

Basildon Park has also been used as a filming location for Marie Antoinette in 2006, starring Kirsten Dunst.

Most recently the mansion was used in A Picture Of Dorian Gray starring Colin Firth.

"Surprisingly enough we didn't have any shortage of female volunteers wanting to come in and help that day," says Basildon Park house steward Neil Shaw....more