Background:

One of the most talented and well-liked British stage, television and film actresses, Judi Dench, known for frequently portraying distinguished, iron-willed women in positions of authority, has spent much of her career focusing on stage and TV in her native home of England rather than pursuing wide screen roles. The much-heralded performer first gained international recognition and appreciation as a film star with her Best Actress Oscar nominating performance as Queen Victoria in John Madden’s Her Majesty, Mrs. Brown (1997), where she also nabbed a BAFTA Award, a Chicago Film Critics Award, a Golden Globe Award and a Golden Satellite Award. She received even more kudos in the following year for her spectacular, scene-s ..[Full version]