Graffiti artist marks up trophy

Street artist Banksy landed a top documentary award last night and immediately covered the trophy with graffiti.

The art star's film, Exit Through the Gift Shop, was named most entertaining documentary at the British Documentary Awards, presented by the Grierson Trust.

And during a taped acceptance speech he held up his statuette to show he had added his own personal touch by spray-painting the eyes and cheeks.

Banksy joked: "This is a very proud moment for me.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I've always dreamt of winning a Grierson Award ever since I first heard about them two weeks ago."

The artist, who hides his identity, continued: "I've always been considered a bit of an anomaly in the graffiti community – probably because I use words like anomaly. So I'd like to dedicate this award to all the real graffiti writers out there, the ones risking life and limb every night who never get any kind of recognition. Well, other than having their name written in huge letters on every available surface all over town."

The awards were hosted by broadcaster Sandi Toksvig.

Related topics: