Plus Jeff Bridges tells us about his new self-titled album and praises Hailee at the Young Hollywood Awards!

We caught up with Oscar winner Jeff Bridges at the 2011 Young Hollywood Awards presented by Bing last Friday, right after he surprised her on stage as he presented his True Grit costar with her Breakthrough of the Year Award. “I’m so proud of her,” he said with a big smile while chatting with HollywoodLife.com backstage. H even told us the advice he gives the young actors he’s worked with, including Elle Fanning and Garrett Hedlund!

“I give all the young actors the same advice that my mother always gave me, which is ‘remember
to have fun and don’t take it too seriously’,” the acclaimed actor confessed.

Jeff had nothing but positive things to say about the honorees at the Young Hollywood Awards, many of whom he’d worked with in the past. “It was so great working with Hailee. She is such a sweet person, and so talented and that makes for a great working experience and a wonderful actress.” And his praise didn’t stop with Hailee. “I got to work with Elle [Fanning]. It may have been her first film, ‘Door in the Floor’, and she is getting an award tonight. And Garrett Hedlund… I would love to work with him again. He is getting an award tonight too!”

Jeff has had a wonderful career as an actor, but for now his focus is on his music. “I have an album coming out in August. [It's called] ‘Jeff Bridges’. Surprise, surprise!” So when can we expect his next single? “We haven’t exactly figured it out yet. I think the album is going to come out August 16th on Blue Note.”

We can’t wait for Jeff’s new album and don’t forget to check him out tonight when the Young Hollywood Awards air on TV!

The Young Hollywood Awards will be on TV for the very first time! Tune in to see the show on ION Television on Thursday, May 26 at 9 pm ET/PT — check your local listings for channel and time.

Lorena O’Neil