When Theron Met Mandela

Nelson Mandela witnessed a tearful Hollywood performance first hand as he moved Charlize Theron to tears with words of praise for her Academy Award success.



The South African actress, who won an Oscar for her role in Monster, met the former South African president, who paid tribute to Theron's screen career.

"She has put South Africa on the map," said Mandela after their meeting in Johannesberg. "Even those who were ignorant of this place, having seen her, they must know now that there is a country like South Africa."

An emotional Theron wept and said: "I love you so much."

Charlize grew up in the small mining town of Benoni before she became a model and a ballet dancer and eventually an actress.

South African president Thabo Mbeki also congratulated Charlize for her Oscar success.