Washington, Feb 9 : American actor Mickey Rourke made a colourful acceptance speech at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards, where he won the Leading Actor gong.

Rourke, who was awarded in recognition of his role as Randy `The Ram' Robinson in `The Wrestler', credited director Darren Aronofsky for rescuing his career.

While accepting his award he also made the star-studded audience laugh at his tales of being in the wilderness.

"Darren Aronofsky gave me a second chance after I f**ked up my career for 15 years...," Contactmusic quoted him as saying.

"I want to thank my publicist Paula for having the hardest job in showbiz - telling me where to go, what to do, when to do it. What to eat, what to dress, what to f**k. It''s such a pleasure to be here and back out of the darkness.

"Marisa Tomei for putting up with me - she''s a hell of a talent and was very brave for taking her clothes off all the time. I enjoyed looking at her!" he said.

Rourke also showed his softer side by dedicating the win to veteran star Richard Harris, who died in 2002.

"Last but not least... I would like to dedicate this to an actor who is not here anymore that was a great friend of mine. His spirit and his talent live on; the great Richard Harris," he added. (ANI)