Richard E Grant breaks down in BAFTAs tribute to late stars after wife's death

19 February 2023 , 20:33

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BAFTA host Richard E Grant stopped to compose himself as he took a moment to remember those the industry lost in the last 12 months (Image: BBC, Getty)

Richard E Grant became emotional and struggled to hold back tears as he introduced the in memoriam section of the BAFTA ceremony to remember those in the film industry who died in the last 12 months.

Introducing the tribute, he said: "Tonight is celebration of film in all its mad, sad, funny, frightening, thought-provoking forms.

"Let's take this opportunity to pay tribute to those members of the global film community that we sadly lost over the last 12 months."

As he struggled to hold back tears, Richard's voice broke as he added: "I'm sorry."

"Their impact lives on," he continued. "Let's take a moment to remember them now."

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Richard held back tears as he introduced the tributes (BBC, Getty)

Richard's wife Joan Washington, a voice coach to celebrities including Penelope Cruz and Jessica Chastain, died in September 2021 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Richard said “their impact lives on in film” before names include Dame Angela Lansbury, Dame Olivia Newton-John, Sylvia Syms, Robbie Coltrane and Burt Bacharach appeared on screen.

After the segment, Richard added that “their legacies will live on”.

Richard hosted the BAFTAs with Alison Hammond (Getty Images for BAFTA)

Richard, had been married to the dialect coach for 35 years and they were together for a total of 38.

She died eight months after being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.

In December, Richard paid a special tribute to his late wife on what would have been her birthday.

Posting a photograph of Joan on Twitter, he wrote: “Taken on her last ever birthday, 21^st December – my beloved late wife Joan. Her bravery, fortitude, resistance and acceptance of her diagnosis, are an inexhaustible inspiration.

Dame Olivia Newton-John was paid tribute to among others (BBC, Getty)

“I miss her more than is measurable," he added.

World War One epic All Quiet on the Western Front was the big winner on the night scooping six awards including best film, director and adapted screenplay.

The Banshees of Inisherin was among the big winners the the BAFTAs having swept major categories including best supporting actress and actor for Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan while the movie was named outstanding British film.

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Director Martin McDonagh also accepted the prize for best original screenplay.

After winning the best British film, he joked: "Best what award?" But he then clarified the film was eligible thanks to financing from Channel 4.

Charlotte McIntyre