Ewan McGregor a 'visionary' at Sundance

PARK CITY

When you don't know why a famous actor is receiving an award or even what it's for, it helps to go straight to the recipient of this year's Ray-Ban Visionary Award, given out at the Sundance Film Festival.

"I think it's for people who worked in independent film and encouraged others to do so — so, that would be me," Ewan McGregor said between sips of a cold drink on a c-c-cold night in Park City.

Thanks for clearing that up, Ewan.

McGregor said, in a really lovely Scottish accent, it was "really nice" to be getting the award and that it's "really lovely" to be here. For fans on the lookout for him, he'll be here till Tuesday.

What's that? You don't even know who he is?

Well, he had a bit part in "Star Wars," he was in "Moulin Rouge!" and the cult classic "Trainspotting." Yeah, that's the guy.

Plain White T's (that's a rock band) singer Tom Higgenson had this to say about the award during his appearance at a red carpet event prior to McGregor's arrival.

"You know what … what is the award for?" Higgenson said. "I don't even know."

That's OK. Next question. How about that Ewan McGregor?

"He's an amazing actor," Higgenson rebounded. "Ever since 'Trainspotting' I've loved the guy."

Love? Alrighty then.

Some young blond actress (apologies for not knowing her name) on the red carpet called McGregor cool, rugged, the embodiment of the sunglasses brand, sexy, cool and edgy. Hard to top that, right?

"I love Ewan," said fellow Scottish actor Alan Cumming. "I think he's a real darling."

How about a red-carpet word from Ralph Macchio — you know, the Karate Kid.

"Hey, man, I think, you know, why not," Macchio stammered. Admitting to suffering from a bit of altitude sickness, Macchio recovered and said McGregor "represents iconic status. I think it's very cool."

Can you believe the Karate Kid has kids of his own now? Both teenagers, 13 and 16.

Well that's about it from the Ray-Ban red carpet. As this year's award recipient, McGregor joins up-and-coming celebs Quentin Tarantino, Aaron Eckhart, Matt Dillon and Kevin Bacon as past recipients. Just Google their names.

E-mail: saspeckman@desnews.com