Led by Dame Helen Mirren, the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) honoured the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Mirren gave a moving tribute to the late monarch during the ceremony, calling her the “nation’s leading star.”
Mirren said: “BAFTA’s relationship with Her Majesty was longstanding, and BAFTA would not be what it is today without her loyal support. In 1953, her coronation broadcast had the world watching. 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.
“Cinema, at its best, does what Her Majesty did effortlessly—bring us together and unite us in a story. 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.”
The touching moment also included a soundbite from the late Queen: “Through the creative genius of artists, whether they be writers, actors, filmmakers, dancers or musicians, we can see both the range of our cultures and the elements of our shared humanity.”
Mirren received rapturous applause, and the Prince and Princess of Wales were visibly moved by the tribute.
Prince William is the President of BAFTA. His grandfather, Prince Philip, was the first BAFTA president from 1959 to 1965.
In 1972, Queen Elizabeth allowed cameras to film the family for the movie “The Royal Family.” Proceeds from the documentary were donated to the Society of Film and Television Arts, which became the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, for a new headquarters. Princess Anne was also BAFTA president from 1973-2001.
Queen Elizabeth had a 50-year association with BAFTA. She was also patron of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, the Royal Variety Charity and the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund. In 2013, she received an honourary BAFTA from Sir Kenneth Branagh.
This was William and Catherine’s first appearance at the BAFTAs in three years. Last year they were unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts, but Prince William recorded a message for the awards. In 2021, they had to miss the ceremony due to the death of Prince Philip one week before.
This year, the royal couple walked the red carpet, spoke with organisers, mingled with nominees and sat front row to support the winners.
