Pacino's Quest Coincides With Trinity College Honor

More akin to a Hollywood awards ceremony 66-year-old Al Pacino was in Dublin last week where he received Trinity College's, honorary patronage of the University Philosophical Society. Dressed in a tuxedo with a black tie, the Oscar winning star entered the Burke theatre to a standing ovation from more than 400 whistling and cheering students.

Pacino's name is added to a 'roll of honor' which includes Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Salman Rushdie and the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, had all received the honor in the past.

The actor told the packed theatre - "I never thought I would be standing here, receiving such an honor. I'm ashamed to admit this, but it's my first visit to this gorgeous country, to this brilliant, beautiful city, Dublin. I have never felt as at home, or at ease in any other place I visited."

The offer of patronage by the Philosophical Society's was timely coincidence as the actor was in Dublin to film part of his documentary called 'Salomaybe'.

Pacino arrived on Tuesday by private jet and he has filmed at the National Gallery, at the Oscar Wilde statue in Merrion Square and at Wilde's birthplace on Westland Row.

The documentary follows Pacino's quest to find out more about Oscar Wilde - one of the star's favorite writers - and his influences for writing Salomé.

The Hollywood superstar expressed his wish to shoot a film in Ireland and didn't rule out the prospect in the future.