This year Emily Watson was presented with the Festival’s career achievement award, The Volta at an intimate event amongst friends, cast members and the creative team.
Speaking about this year’s recipient Festival Director Gráinne Humphreys said“ Emily Watson is one of the most exciting international actresses that we have seen in many many years. She is in a new film God’s Creatures which opened this year’s Festival and to my mind her performance as Bess in Breaking the Waves is one of the greatest performances ever presented on screen. Between those two films there is a great body of work we as a Festival wanted to recognise”.
On receiving her award presented to her by God’s Creatures co-star Paul Mescal Emily Watson said “This is such an honour. I think of myself very much as a collaborator. You don’t have a long career in film without all the other people in the room. I’ve been front and centre of quite a few Irish movies which is a great privilege when you are an Englishwoman. Working here in Ireland is always so potent for me. In the moment now it feels a little bit overwhelming, very thrilling and joyous.”
Celebrating the careers of individuals who have made a significant contribution to the world of film, the Volta has quickly established itself as one of the highest accolades in Irish film, and its recipients include many of the most accomplished actors, writers and directors of our time, including Al Pacino, Daniel Day-Lewis, Kristin Scott Thomas, Martin Sheen, Paolo Sorrentino, Julie Andrews and Thierry Frémaux.
The 21st anniversary Dublin International Film Festival continues its celebration of Irish and world cinema until March 4th with a packed programme of in cinema screenings, Q&As, industry events alongside a selection of films also available online.
Emily Watson – Volta Presentation
