Spartacus, Gatsby ... and now Ruari; Scots teen wins top Hollywood drama prize.(News)(Awards list)

Byline: Kirsty Topping

A SCOTTISH teenager is following in the footsteps of Hollywood greats after scooping a prestigious award.

Ruari Cannon was named best actor by the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

After winning an [pounds sterling]8,500 scholarship to study at the academy, the 19-year-old from Edinburgh was named best actor in his year.

Previous winners of the Charles Jehlinger award include Great Gatsby star Robert Redford and Spencer Tracy.

The accolade is awarded to the student who developed most 'as a person as well as an artist' and who displayed a 'professional attitude towards the art'. The American Academy of Dramatic Arts was founded in 1884. Jehlinger was one of the establishment's first graduates and he went on to teach such Hollywood greats as Spartacus star Kirk Douglas, Edward G Robinson, Grace Kelly and Jason Robards.

Ruari said he was 'flabbergasted' to be given the award, which was presented at his graduation ceremony.

His fellow Scot, Lizzie Fergusson, 20, also from Edinburgh, was honoured with the Lawrence Langner award for speech at the Manhattan-based academy.

Welcoming the double win for his home country, Ruari said: 'How often do you get a 2-0 away win for Scotland? 'I had received my diploma and I was feeling really emotional. The prize-giving speeches were coming up and I was thinking, "Let's get this over with", because I just wanted to be with my friends from the course, then they called out my name again. I was speechless.' Betty Lawson, the academy's director of external affairs, said: 'It's quite an achievement that two of the recipients came from Edinburgh.

Every year we give an award to honour the person who came closest to personifying Jehlinger's ideals; the development of the student as a person as well as an artist and a demonstration of a professional attitude towards the art and to work.'

Miss Fergusson's award is named in honour of Broadway producer Lawrence Langner, who 'cared very much about the standards of speech on the American stage.' Ruari began his acting career early with a role as the Artful Dodger in a production of Oliver! at Perth Theatre in 2006.

His success comes despite his 'pretty horrible experience' of Highers at Stewart's Melville College in Edinburgh, where he gained a C in drama but failed his biology exams.

He stumbled upon the American Academy of Dramatic Arts on the internet and was attracted by its entry requirements - a short essay and an audition.

His two-year degree was funded by a $14,000 ([pounds sterling]8,500) scholarship.

Since graduation, Ruari has turned down the opportunity to appear in a Broadway show, preferring to return to his home city, where he hopes to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe.

The teenager wants to continue his studies in London, possibly at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art or at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

'You couldn't be a lawyer or a doctor after two years' training,' he said. 'I think it is important to gain a sense of perspective. I don't think I would do myself justice without further education. The training I've had is never going to go away. It's about keeping the creative muscle exercised.'

CAPTION(S):

Movie great: Kirk Douglas Rising star: Ruari Cannon in an early role as the Artful Dodger in Oliver!

Legend: Robert Redford