The British Academy of Film and Television swam to the other side of the pond to honor some of Hollywood's leading talents at the BAFTFA/LA Britannia Awards on Thursday night.

Governor Arnold Schwarzennegger had the honor of presenting the legendary Kirk Douglas with the Britannia Award for Worldwide Contribution to Filmed Entertainment. Douglas offered advice to aspiring actors, saying, "Stay out of acting. It's too difficult. But, if you must be an actor, give it your all."

Actor Colin Firth, who was honored for his humanitarian efforts, had such a busy night, rushing from a screening of his film 'A Single Man' to the awards, "I forgot my pants. We had to go back across town," he revealed to ET. He was happy to report that the film was "warmly received." It was his "first time ever at an event at the Chinese Theater, which is quite something. I've never been there for any other reason than…when I was a kid I went and put my hand in John Wayne's handprint."

Firth humbly accepted the honor, saying that people who dedicate their entire lives to help others are more deserving of the award, but understands his celebrity helps to "shine light" on important issues. He said, "I think it's actually a terrible pity that...the campaigners have to make the use of actors and pop stars...We become the communication device."

While Emily Blunt was "baffled" to be named British Artist of the Year, she conceded, "I'm really excited that I'm being recognized by my own country over here."