President Obama pokes fun at Idris Elba

President Barack Obama poked fun at British actor Idris Elba by remarking on his sex appeal during a recent screening of his Nelson Mandela biopic at the White House.

The Head of State hosted the cast of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom at a screening on Thursday (07Nov13), with Elba, along with co-star Naomie Harris, presenting the new film to the commander-in-chief.

While the movie itself focuses on the serious subject matter of the South African politician's life, President Obama could not help but mention Elba's charm and good looks, which garnered the attention of many of the women in attendance.

Elba tells E! News, "He (Obama) told everyone in the screening room... 'Idris Elba couldn't sit down because all the ladies, all the ladies were all over him. Give him a break today, ladies. Give him a break.' I was sitting in the room with a massive head."

However, Elba still felt humbled as he presented the story of the anti-apartheid revolutionary to the first African-American president.

Elba adds, "It was an honor... Barack is really fond of Mr. Mandela so he was really thrilled to have us there to present our film and I felt very special about doing that."

Also present at the screening were two of Mandela's daughters, Zindzi and Zenani, as well as the film's director Justin Chadwick.