Movie stars are renowned for the size of their egos, but the legendary Irish actor Richard Harris gave a truly novel performance this weekend by being ungracious in victory, rather than defeat.

As he received a lifetime achievement award from the European Film Academy, Harris used his acceptance speech to take a swipe at the British film industry for failing to give him a similar honour.

The 70-year-old Hollywood star, known for his youthful hellraising as much as his performances in films including Camelot, This Sporting Life and more recently Gladiator, said he was thrilled and humbled and hoped the sight of his trophy might jog a few British memories.

Collecting the award at a glittering ceremony in Paris, Harris said: "I want to congratulate you on choosing me. It is something that the British Academy [of Film and Television Arts] has failed to do annually."

He grumbled: "It is always the French. I got best actor at Cannes but the British seem to have forgotten me. Maybe now they will remember me."

No doubt Harris felt he had the last laugh as the British contingent left the event empty handed.

The box office hit Billy Elliot went unrecognised despite being tipped for a hat-trick of awards; it was seen as a hot contender for best film, with 14-year-old star Jamie Bell and his co-star Julie Walters nominated in the best actor and best actress categories.

The British animator Nick Park's first feature film, Chicken Run, was also defeated in the best film category as the Danish director Lars von Trier repeated his Cannes triumph with Dancer in the Dark.

Park's leading lady, pop star Bjork, was named best actress.

Frenchman Sergi Lopez was named best actor for his performance in Harry, He's Here to Help, while the French action hero Jean Reno and Italian actor-director Roberto Benigni, best known for his film Life is Beautiful, shared the European Achievement in World Cinema Award 2000.

The European Film Awards were created in 1988 as a counterpart to the Oscars. This year's ceremony was hosted by the actor Rupert Everett and television presenter Antoine de Caunes.