The A Single Man actor has insisted that he prefers his looks as he matures because he can appreciate his features.

The 49-year-old told The Big Issue: "When I was 25, I was very conscious of being featureless, of having no texture.

"I was very bland - just like your average 25-year-old - and I used to look at these older actors and think, 'That's where I'd like to be'.

"Obviously I do not relish deterioration, but there is a wealth of knowledge and experience and hopefully wisdom one can pull on as an older man which just isn't there as a young man."

Firth is nominated for a best actor Oscar for his performance in A Single Man.

The 2010 Academy Awards will be broadcast live on Sunday, March 7.

/Digital Spy/