Actor Colin Firth after receiving the Freedom of the City of London, at the Guildhall Art Gallery

The King’s Speech star Colin Firth has received the Freedom of the City of London for his services to acting.

The actor, who won a Bafta, Screen Actors’ Guild Award, Golden Globe and Academy Award for his outstanding performance as King George VI in The King’s Speech, was nominated for the Freedom by Alderman David Wootton, Lord Mayor of the City of London, and Richard Regan, Chief Commoner of the City of London Corporation.

Firth has also starred in Pride and Prejudice, The English Patient, Shakespeare in Love, Fever Pitch, Bridget Jones’ Diary, Mamma Mia!, Love Actually and recently featured in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

“London is my home and I’m hugely touched and honoured by this gesture,” he said.

The Lord Mayor said: “Colin Firth is a very deserving candidate for the Freedom of the City of London, and I am delighted that he accepted the City’s invitation to receive it.

“Colin’s Freedom has been bestowed on him in recognition of services to acting and, in particular, for his award-winning performance in Tom Hooper’s wonderful film.”

The Freedom is offered to individuals by the City of London Corporation to help celebrate a significant achievement.

Many of the traditional privileges associated with the freedom, such as driving sheep over London Bridge, no longer exist.