Dame Judi Dench in record breaking Olivier win as star claims eighth gong
DAME Judi Dench should have been celebrating a record breaking Olivier award last night – but joked she was “livid” as her win meant she had lost a bet with her grandson.
Dame Judi Dench claimed a record breaking eighth award
She won the best supporting actress award for her role in The Winter’s Tale at the star-studded occasion at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London.
It was her eighth gong from the prestigious Oliviers and her 15th nomination.
Dame Judi said: “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m absolutely livid as I had a bet with my grandson...and I’m never going to be able to forget it.”
I’m absolutely livid as I had a bet with my grandson...and I’m never going to be able to forget it
She praised “a really fantastic company and crew and stage management.”
Bond beauty Gemma Arterton, 30, looked stunning in a distinctive purple dress but missed out on the best actress prize for her role as Nell Gwynn, which saw her go head-to-head with Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman.
Denise Gough in People, Places And Things, won the award for her harrowing portrayal of a drink and drug addict.
Denise Gough won best actress
Dame Shirley Bassey was one of the award presenters
Downton Abbey star Laura Carmichael. wearing a flowing black floral dress turned heads, on the red carpet ahead of the awards, which are now in its 40th year and was hosted by Michael Ball, striking in a pair a pair of red leather high heel boots.
Mark Rylance, 56, failed to match his Bridge of Spies triumph in the Oscars and missed out on the best actor prize for his stint in Farinelli And The King, which pitted him against Hamlet actor Benedict Cumberbatch, 39, who is currently filming Doctor Strange in New York.
Gemma Arterton shines in an amethyst sequinned gown
Sherlock creator Mark Gatiss joined the prestigious winners’ list as he was named best actor in a supporting role for Three Days In The Country.
Dame Shirley Bassey was among the award presenters on the night.
Gypsy star Imelda Staunton, had a best actress in a musical nomination – her 11th Olivier Awards nomination after impressing as Mama Rose.
The production was up for awards in eight different categories.