McCartney did not collect his award in person

Sir Paul was honoured for his latest album and his successful US tour.

"Paul McCartney is not only one of our greatest living legends, he's also probably the most dignified," said GQ editor Dylan Jones.

Other winners included Extras creator Ricky Gervais, presenter Jonathan Ross and singer Rod Stewart - who was given the outstanding achievement award.

Embraced by public

Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson won TV personality of the year, and received his award from Stewart's fiancee Penny Lancaster.

GQ MEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Man of the year: Sir Paul McCartney Woman of the year: Billie Piper International man of the year: Justin Timberlake TV personality of the year: Jeremy Clarkson Lab Series man of the Year: Jonathan Rhys Myers Comedian of the year: Ricky Gervais Radio personality of the year: Jonathan Ross Actor of the year: Cillian Murphy Band of the year: Keane Most stylish man of the year: Russell Brand Chef of the year: Jamie Oliver Politician of the year: David Cameron Editor's special award: Borat (played by Sacha Baron-Cohen, above) Outstanding achievement: Rod Stewart

The Wind That Shakes the Barley star Cillian Murphy took the title for actor award, while Keane were rewarded with band of the year.

Justin Timberlake, currently number one in the UK singles chart, was named international man of the year.

There were also gongs for Big Brother TV host Russell Brand, chef Jamie Oliver and Tory leader David Cameron - who was named politician of the year.

And Doctor Who's Billie Piper took the only title awarded to women, the woman of the year award.

Sir Paul McCartney has rarely been out of newspapers recently following his increasingly acrimonious divorce from wife Heather Mills. He was unable to collect the award in person.

But Mr Jones said that Sir Paul had been "embraced" by the public during his troubled time - and pointed out he had still achieved a great amount this year.

"Paul McCartney turned 64, produced one of his best albums in years, orchestrated the 90-minute Las Vegas Beatles spectacular, Love, finished a record-breaking tour of America, and this month releases his fourth full-length classical work, Behold My Heart," he said.

"Plus, this year he has been embraced by the Great British public like no time before."