[from Contact Music]

British actor ORLANDO BLOOM has been named Actor Of The Year by an American poll of critics and cinema-goers.

The 26-year-old star has enjoyed a phenomenally successful year at the box office, after landing starring roles in blockbusters PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL and LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING.

The US TV and E! ONLINE poll also marks a major scoop for Brits in Hollywood - Bloom's English Pirates Of The Caribbean co-star KEIRA KNIGHTLEY was voted second.

AMERICAN WEDDING star EUGENE LEVY came third, followed by Australian actor HUGO WEAVING for his roles in THE MATRIX movies and Lord Of The Rings.

JOHNNY DEPP won the Male Standout Performance award for his swashbuckling antics in Pirates Of The Caribbean.

Published January 8, 2004