Screen Actors Guild fetes Helen Mirren with career award
Whether she’s playing a monarch or being celebrated for her work overall, Helen Mirren long has been screen royalty.
The esteemed actress and Dame is about to add another major honor to the many she already has, which include an Oscar, a Tony and four Primetime Emmys. On Sunday, Feb. 27, she will receive the SAG Life Achievement Award during the TBS and TNT simulcast of the 28th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. It actually will be the 57th time that accolade is bestowed to someone who represents the “finest ideals of the acting profession” by the organization, also accounting for its presentation in the years when the ceremony wasn’t televised.
Here’s a look at some of Mirren’s notable projects.
“The Long Good Friday” (1980): Mirren started to come into her own as a leading lady with her excellent portrayal of a ruthless mobster’s (Bob Hoskins) girlfriend.
“Prime Suspect” (1991): British police detective Jane Tennison, facing challenges from male counterparts as well as criminals, first was brought to life by Mirren in this first of several miniseries and TV movies.
“Gosford Park” (2001): Written by “Downton Abbey” mentor Julian Fellowes, this mystery about murder among different classes at an English residence features Mirren as the chief housekeeper.
“Calendar Girls” (2003): The first among equals in this true story, Mirren is excellent in this comedy about several women who decide to pose nude in a calendar as a fundraising effort.
“Elizabeth I” (2005): Mirren’s reputation for playing world leaders took a huge leap forward with her title performance in this two-part cable drama.
“The Queen” (2006): What arguably is Mirren’s signature role to date brought her an Oscar – among many other accolades – for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in the aftermath of Princess Diana’s death.
“RED” (2010): It’s great fun to watch Mirren team with other acting veterans as she plays an action heroine in this tale of CIA retirees targeted by unknown enemies.
“The Good Liar” (2019): Mirren and Ian McKellen match wits in this clever drama about a con artist’s intended swindling of a recent widow.