The Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) is to present Judi Dench with the Irish Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the world of film and television.
She will receive the award on Thursday, July 6th, at an “In Conversation Event” at the Shelbourne Hotel, hosted by Deirdre O’Kane.
One of the world’s best known actors, Dench is an Oscar winner with a further seven nominations, ten BAFTA awards, two SAG awards and two Golden Globes for her screen performances. Affectionately known as Dame Judi since she received that title under the British honours system, she has also won a Tony award and seven Olivier awards for her theatrical work.
IFTA said the 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.”
Róisín Ingle: My profound, challenging, surprisingly joyful, life-changing year
The Big Irish Times Quiz of 2024
TV in 2025: 25 of the best new and returning shows to watch out for in the 12 months ahead
Megan Nolan: A conversation with a man in his late 30s made clear the realities of this new era in my dating life
Dench was born in York with both of her parents having grown up in Dublin. Her mother was born in Ireland and her father in the UK – the couple met while studying at Trinity College Dublin. Dench has retained strong links with Ireland personally and professionally, including starring in Irish-themed films Philomena and Belfast.
