She's a mainstay of the UK acting scene, and this week veteran actress Dame Judi Dench's contribution to her craft was recognised with a career award at the London Critics' ceremony in London.
Also picking up a gong on the night was Slumdog Millionaire filmmaker Danny Boyle, who was named best director, while his movie picked up an additional two trophies.
Attendees, including Ben Kingsley and his Brazilian wife Daniela Barbosa de Carneiro, were in the audience as Mickey Rourke and Kate Winslet, neither of whom were able to be present, were announced as winners in the best actor and actress categories.
Other home grown talent making an impression on the newspaper and magazine film critics who vote for the awards, included Kirsten Scott Thomas.
The Cornwall-born beauty earned the supporting actress of the year trophy for her turn in I've Loved You So Long. The best British supporting actor award went to Michael Fassbender for his portrayal of an IRA prisoner in Hunger.
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
