Morgan Freeman: Up in the air

Oscar-winner Morgan Freeman, who piloted into Dubai in his private jet on Tuesday night, is soaring high long after his landing.

The reason? Nelson Mandela.

Freeman, who has been nominated for a Golden Globe for his portrayal of the iconic former South African president in the drama Invictus — told tabloid! he will always cherish the reaction that he received from Mandela following a special screening of the movie.

In a mock conspiratorial whisper he says: "He has seen the movie, we screened it for him. But don't tell anybody.

"First he smiled and laughed, but then when he saw me come on to the screen for the first time, he said: ‘Aah … I know him, I know him.' I was sitting right next to him. That was the greatest compliment," says Freeman.

Invictus, directed by Clint Eastwood, marks the third Morgan-Clint outing, and is generating early Oscar buzz. "But that was the not the only compliment. I got four compliments that day — one from Winnie [Mandela, Nelson's ex-wife], one from Zelda [La Grange, Mandela's PA] and his daughter. They were all impressed with the movie," says Freeman.

He adds that playing the iconic leader was a pre-ordained task. "Over 10 years ago, I knew I was going to play Nelson Mandela. When his book Long Walk To Freedom was published, he named me when a reporter asked him which actor will play his role best. He nominated me."

Credited with hits including the Oscar-winning boxing drama Million Dollar Baby and the prison saga Shawshank Redemption, the actor is equally thrilled about his latest toy — a private SJ30 plane purchased from Emirates Investment and Development Company (Emivest).

"It has got speed, distance and economy. You can't beat that."