Emily Watson will be honored with the Richard Harris Award at the 28th British Independent Film Awards for her outstanding contributions to British film. The award recognizes her acclaimed career, including Oscar-nominated roles and recent projects like 'Hamnet' and 'Dune: Prophecy.' The ceremony is set for November 30 at London's Roundhouse.
Award Recognition
The Richard Harris Award celebrates an actor's significant impact on British cinema. Past recipients include Samantha Morton, Riz Ahmed, Kristin Scott Thomas, Daniel Day-Lewis, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Julie Walters, Stephen Graham, and Sophie Okonedo. Emily Watson joins this prestigious list for her decades of memorable performances.
Damian, Jared, and Jamie Harris, children of the late Richard Harris, praised Watson in a statement: “Emily’s first film was Lars von Trier’s epic ‘Breaking the Waves,’ which is like saying the first mountain she climbed was Everest. It was a fearless and devastating performance... She rightly takes her place alongside the past recipients of the Richard Harris Award.”
Watson responded: “I’m delighted and deeply honored to be receiving this award. I’ve had the great privilege of spending time with Jared as an actor and raconteur... Truly an honor. Thank you BIFA.”
Career Highlights
Watson's journey began in the 1990s with the Royal Shakespeare Company. She earned her first Oscar nomination for Best Actress in 'Breaking the Waves' (1996), followed by another for 'Hilary and Jackie' (1998). Notable films include 'The Boxer' (1997), 'Punch-Drunk Love' (2002), 'Red Dragon' (2002), 'Corpse Bride' (2005), 'Synecdoche, New York' (2008), 'War Horse' (2011), 'The Theory of Everything' (2014), and 'Small Things Like These.'
Recently, she starred in the Netflix drama 'Steve' opposite Cillian Murphy and in Chloe Zhao's 'Hamnet' with Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley, which is tipped for Oscar contention. Watson also appears in the upcoming series 'Dune: Prophecy.'
Event Details
The 28th British Independent Film Awards will take place on November 30 at the Roundhouse in London, highlighting independent British filmmaking.