Helen Mirren's tribute to Elizabeth II at the Bafta: "She was the leading star of our nation"

The British Film Academy set a goal this year: for the gala to be fast and entertaining.

Thomas Osborne
Thomas Osborne
20 February 2023 Monday 05:36
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Helen Mirren's tribute to Elizabeth II at the Bafta: "She was the leading star of our nation"

The British Film Academy set a goal this year: for the gala to be fast and entertaining. But the good intentions and the fact that part of the awards ceremony was not seen on streaming did not prevent the ceremony from lasting more than the two hours scheduled.

During that time, there were several highlights: Ariana DeBose's energetic musical performance; the announcement in sign language of the Bafta for best supporting actress by the protagonist of CODA, Troy Kotsur, or the recognition of Sandy Powell with the Honorary Bafta. Applauded by the public, the British woman becomes the first costume designer to receive this prestigious honorary award.

Although, if a moment deserves special attention, that is none other than Helen Mirren's tribute to Elizabeth II in the presence of Kate Middleton and Guillermo, who returned to attend one of the most important events in the United Kingdom after two years of absence and for the first time as Princes of Wales. Both could not help but get excited after hearing the actress talk about the monarch.

Passed away last September, Queen Elizabeth II is a character that the actress played (and embroidered) in The Queen and for which she won the Oscar for Best Actress in 2007. "Queen Elizabeth II has been the leading star of our nation”, said the British interpreter, who transforms into Golda Meir, another real character, in the biopic Golda, by Guy Nattiv, previewed at the Berlinale.

The interpreter herself, in fact, assured the television presenter Alison Hammond, that after the gala she would head to the German capital, where it is likely that they are celebrating the triumph in the best film category for All Quiet on the Front. The German film won seven of the fourteen awards it was up for, including Best Director.