Dame Helen Mirren Paid An Emotional Tribute To Late Queen Elizabeth II During The BAFTAs
Last night's BAFTAs, which were held at London Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall for the first time, were full of memorable moments – from the Prince and Princess of Wales' sweet appearance (feat. *that* cheeky bum tap from Kate), Carey Mulligan accidentally being named a winner, Little Simz's performance, and Emma Mackey being crowned as this year's EE Rising Star, to the countless epic looks on the red carpet.
But the award for the most heartfelt moment of the night must go to Dame Helen Mirren, who delivered an emotional tribute to Britain's longest-reigning monarch, the late Queen Elizabeth II. With Prince William and Princess Kate in the audience, Mirren spoke of the Queen's long-standing relationship with BAFTA and her constant support of the arts.
'She supported over 50 cultural organisations and in 2013 it was her time to be honoured with a BAFTA in recognition of the Queens' outstanding patronage to film and television industries,' said Mirren as clips from the Queen's life played on a screen.
'In 1953, her coronation broadcast had the world watching,' continued Mirren. 'From that time, she was unquestionably the nation’s leading lady but as mysterious as a silent film star. Who else could meet the world’s most famous singers, actors and performers and turn them into her supporting cast? Throughout her 70-year reign, she met cinema’s greatest icons and witnessed the evolution of Hollywood’s golden age to the birth of the blockbuster. Her Majesty was front row for it all.'
Prince Harry and Kate Middleton were visibly emotional as the 77-year-old actor progressed with her speech, and particularly as she closed the tribute with a touching sentiment. 'Cinema at its best, does what Her Majesty did effortlessly — bring us together and unite us in a story,' said Mirren. 'Your Majesty, you were our nation’s leading star. On behalf of BAFTA, thank you for all that you have done for our film and television industry.'
In an interview with Alison Hammond following the awards ceremony, Mirren admitted that she too had 'cried' as she rehearsed her speech. The actor also played the late monarch in the award-winning 2006 film The Queen.
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