Elba announced Mandela's death during film premier The London film premier of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom had to be halted yesterday evening as the news of Nelson Mandela's death broke. Actor Idris Elba (pictured), who played Mandela, delivered the news about the 95 year old former South African president five minutes before the end of the film. Director Harvey Weinstein told BBC Radio 5 live's Kermode and Mayo: "It was almost too unbearable. It was extraordinary and difficult at the same time... people burst into tears. For more Nelson Mandela reaction and tributes visit the BBC Radio 5 live website.