Jackman, Beckinsale praise Colin Firth

Celebrities including Hugh Jackman, Kate Beckinsale and Jamie Oliver have praised Colin Firth after his 'Best Actor' victory at the 83rd annual Academy Awards.

Jackman, who hosted the Oscars in 2009, expressed an interest in working with the King's Speech star.

Speaking to Daybreak's Kate Garraway on the Vanity Fair party red carpet, he said: "He was terrific, and [it's] a great film. I've never worked with Colin, but I'd love to."

Jackman also added that he became suspicious that hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco planned to make jokes about him when he saw the seating plan for the ceremony.

"I had a rehearsal yesterday and I saw I was sitting front and centre," he added. "I thought, 'There's something fishy going on here'."

Chef Oliver told Garraway that he had met Firth for the first time last week, saying that he is "the nicest, most genuine, lovely man ever".

Beckinsale said of Firth: "I just think he should win everything because he gives the best speeches."

The Underworld actress added that she would like to see his dance moves, alluding to Firth's acceptance speech where he joked about an urge to start dancing on stage.