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The Olivier Awards |
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Excerpt from the What'sOnStage Website Article -- February 23, 2004 Spacey Hails Dench ... The great irony of the BBC’s decision not to televise this year’s Laurence Oliviers, the UK’s highest theatre accolades, is that last night’s ceremony at the London Hilton was one of the most memorable and entertaining in recent memory. Kevin’s crush on Judi Worth any price of admission alone was the presentation of the Special Award to Dame Judi Dench for 47 years’ worth of work in theatre, including the RSC’s current production of All’s Well That Ends Well which opened in the West End last week. As host Clive Anderson announced the award, the lights dimmed and from the back of ballroom, a smooth voice began to croon “I’ve Got a Crush on You”. Making his way through the crowd, the singer was revealed as Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey, who will soon take over as artistic director of London’s Old Vic Theatre and who has been a close friend of Dench’s since they both appeared in the 2001 film The Shipping News. “She asked us to surprise her and so we did,” said Spacey of his serenade. In his introduction, Spacey recounted the career of “a woman for whom there can be no doubt how deserving she is of this award”. To date, not counting last night, Dench has won a record six Oliviers, including in 1996, two in one year – Best Actress for Absolute Hell and Best Actress in a Musical for A Little Night Music. On screen, her awards include an Oscar for a performance in Shakespeare in Love which lasted all of eight minutes. Spacey praised “my friend and our queen” of theatre as someone who “reminds us just how astounding the craft of acting can be”, “a woman of enormous grace and style and friendship and conviction” whose “spirit and integrity are as infectious as her laugh.” Referring back to his song in closing, he said: “There is no one like her and there never will be anyone like her. She is the one we have all had a crush on for a very long time.” Dench received a rapturous standing ovation, ending only when she pleaded with the audience to sit down and “talk amongst yourselves for a moment” while she reined in her emotions. She described the feeling of overwhelming at the honour as “a bit like being at the most wonderful party and in the middle of it, somebody coming up, giving you your coat and telling you it’s time to go”. She went on to accept the award on behalf of her many co-workers over her illustrious career. “In 47 years, I have made some of the best friends that I or anybody could ever wish for,” she said. And she was optimistic about the state of the art form. “I love it that theatre is so alive and well, that we can fill a theatre with Shakespeare in this age. We don’t have to worry.”
Excerpt from The Evening Standard Article Dame Judi Dench was moved to tears at the ceremony after being serenaded by her friend - and surprise guest - Kevin Spacey. He sang her the Gershwin classic I've Got A Crush On You before presenting her with a Special Award for lifetime achievement. "She asked us to surprise her and so we did," he told the audience. "There is no one like her and there will never be anyone like her. Without question, she is the one we have all had a crush on for a very long time." Dame Judi, who turns 70 this year and has won a record six Olivier awards during her 47-year stage career, declared herself "completely overcome. It's a complete surprise having someone sing to you like that," said the actress, who is currently appearing in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of All's Well That Ends Well.
Excerpt from The Star Online Article The night's sole standing ovation went to a second Dame of the British Empire, Judi Dench, for her overall career. Dench, now appearing in the West End in a rare revival of Shakespeare's "All's Well That Ends Well,'' was given the prize by Kevin Spacey, her co-star in the Hollywood film "The Shipping News.'' Spacey, a two-time Oscar-winner, could well be up for an Olivier next year, since he takes over the artistic directorship of the Old Vic Theater in London this fall.
Excerpt from The Official London Theatre Guide Article Judi Dench was overwhelmed by her special award: "It feels completely fantastic. When Kevin Spacey came on and sang I've Got A Crush On You, I'm glad you didn't have a photograph of me." Also, Dame Judi hinted that she may appear on stage with Kevin Spacey at the Old Vic, although not, she says, as his mother.
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