Judi Dench is following in the footsteps of Emma Thompson, Vanessa Redgrave, and Julie Walters, all previous recipients of the Richard Harris Award for outstanding contribution to British film. Dench will receive the honor named after the late Irish actor and singer at the upcoming British Independent Film Awards, Variety confirms.
A seven-time Oscar nominee, Dench took home the award for her supporting role in “Shakespeare in Love.” She’s also received nods for “Philomena,” “Notes on a Scandal,” “Mrs. Henderson Presents,” “Iris,” “Chocolat,” and “Mrs Brown.” The celebrated stage actress has eight Oliviers to her name.
“Victoria & Abdul” and “Murder on the Orient Express” are among Dench’s recent film credits.
“Dame Judi has stolen every scene she has ever been in, and stolen our hearts along the way,” said Harris’ son, Jared. “Although she hates being called a national treasure and prefers to be thought of as a jobbing actor, she is undeniably both the standard-bearer and the gold standard for British actors.”
Dench commented, “It has been my absolute privilege to spend almost 60 years working in the British film industry, one of the most vibrant and creative homes for filmmakers in the world.” She continued, “To be recognized with this award, which bears the name of the great Richard Harris and counts some of my favorite actors and actresses amongst its past recipients, is a source of deep pride and a very special honor.”
Dench’s upcoming projects include the highly publicized film adaptation of “Cats” and “Six Minutes to Midnight,” a drama set in Nazi Germany.
“I don’t want to be told I can’t do something. I’ll just have a go at it and I may make a terrible mess of it but I’d sooner make a mess than not have a go at all,” Dench has said. “I don’t think age matters at all. What matters is your determination not to give up and not to stop learning new things, which I absolutely applaud.”
The BIFA ceremony takes place December 2 in London. “On the Basis of Sex” star Felicity Jones has been announced as the recipient of the Variety Award for making a global impact and bringing the spotlight to the UK. Check out our post about this year’s BIFA nominees. Olivia Colman-led “The Favourite” leads the pack with 13 nods.
