Dame Judi Dench was presented with the IFTA Lifetime Achievement Award by The Irish Film & Television Academy presented at an In Conversation event at The Shelbourne Hotel, on July 6th. Deirdre O’Kane interviewed Dame Judi in front of a large live audience with Minister for Culture Catherine Martin later presenting Dench with her award.
Dame Judi’s mother was born in Dublin. Her father was born in Dorset then moved to Dublin aged three. They met in Wesley College, and later moved to York where Dame Judi was raised. One night, they told a young Judi that they were going to see a film called Nightboat to Ireland. She soon learned this was not a trip to the cinema.
“We came into Dun Laoighaire, and my mother and father were standing there, completely overcome, that’s how much it meant to them,” said Dame Judi. “Most of my relations are here… probably in this room! It's very, very special to be here and to be honoured in this way.”
The Irish Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recognises Dame Judi's body of work and her remarkable achievements. Known for her extraordinary ability to command the screen in both leading and supporting roles, she has for decades been one of the most in-demand actors working and brings enormous prestige to any project she is involved in.
She is an Oscar winner with a further seven Oscar Nominations, ten BAFTA awards, two SAG Awards and two Golden Globes to her name for her screen performances. She has also won a Tony Award and seven Olivier Awards for her theatrical work.
“We're very honoured to be hosting this event tonight,” said Áine Moriarty, CEO of IFTA. “I've heard from actors in the room tonight who have known her amazing kindness firsthand. She is an extraordinary actress and a wonderful person.”
Dame Judi has been working consistently since 1957, when she made her professional acting debut as Ophelia in a production of Hamlet in The Old Vic theatre. This was shortly after she graduated from Central School of Speech and Drama. While working with the Old Vic theatre company, she was an understudy for many productions. Dame Judi shared with the audience how important observing these actors was to her craft.
“As actors, we have to watch other people. Decide what we think works, decide what perhaps doesn’t work, and you learn. You learn through observing people and making mistakes.”
Later in the evening she expanded on these thoughts, when asked what advice she has for young actors at the beginning of their career.
“Just see as much as you can. Only by watching something that doesn't work so well, and making your mind up about why you perceive that, will you learn.”
“And keep your fingers crossed. It is not necessarily the best people who are cast, it is such a question of luck.”
One of Dame Judi’s most beloved performances in recent years is her portrayal of Philomena Lee in Philomena, for which she received an Oscar nomination. The film follows the true story of Irish woman Philomena Lee, and her fifty year search for her son, who was put up for adoption by the Catholic Church when she was a teenager. Dame Judi spoke about meeting Philomena Lee prior to filming, and how this informed her performance.
“Well, I was very, very lucky because I met Philomena about four years before we started filming. She had the most remarkable sense of humour, and I thought that’s it! Of course she’s not going to be sad all the time. And that was a wonderful way-in for me to understand her a bit.”
You only need to compare her portrayal of Philomena to the performance for which she received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress to see how dynamic Dame Judi’s range is. As Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare In Love, her intimidating larger than life presence onscreen is a world away from the warmth and gentleness of Philomena Lee.
Shakespeare’s works have played a huge role in Dame Judi’s life, having performed in countless stage productions. Speaking about her new book Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays The Rent, Deirdre asked Dame Judi how Shakespearean language comes to her so naturally. Citing her older brother’s influence she says:
“It was recited by my brother Jeff, who was an actor before me, when he was a little boy! He used to be able to do absolute reams of Shakespeare, especially Cassius, I remember. At the drop of a hat!”
Before bringing out Minister Martin to introduce the award, a collection of video messages from Dame Judi’s collaborators were screened. The messages included Caitriona Balfe, Ciarán Hinds, Cate Blanchett, Suzy Izzard, Olivia Coleman, and Penelope Cruz.
“When my mother was an actress, she found herself over in London and she came back to tell us that she had seen this extraordinary actress on stage,” said Ciarán Hinds. “She said she’s not very big but by God she packs one hell of a punch, and her name is Judi Dench.”
“When Ken[neth Branagh] asked me to play opposite you, he probably had no idea how nervous, excited, embarrassed, and thrilled I was to work with you. It was one of the great moments, for me, personally, of my life.”
Introducing the IFTA Lifetime Achievement Award, Minister for Culture Catherine Martin said:
“Dame Judi Dench, I extend my warmest congratulations to you, Judi, for your exceptional contribution to the screen industry. You truly are an absolutely extraordinary talent and magnificent woman and inspiration. Through your incredible range and unforgettable portrayals., you have brought countless characters to life both in theatres and on screen. Your contribution to the world of cinema will be cherished forever and I know the people of Ireland, we do claim you, and we are very proud of you.”
Upon receiving the award, the audience burst into thunderous applause and a standing ovation. Overjoyed, Dame Judi Dench had this to say:
“Thank you, thank you, I shall never forget this evening.”
