DAME JUDI DENCH

Dame Judi Dench took her first steps toward becoming a living legend in 1957 when, at the age of 22, she debuted at the Old Vic as Hamlet’s Ophelia. She went on to become one of the best actors of her—or any other—generation. An Oscar®-winner for her role as Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love (1998), Dench is a master of the Bard, performing  multiple acclaimed roles from Juliet to Lady Macbeth. Long established as a theater luminary, Dench added film star to her resume with the one-two punch of Wetherby and A Room with a View. Onscreen, she mingles art-house roles with mainstream fare, becoming a pop culture immortal for her turn as 007’s boss M in seven James Bond movies. At 85, she stars in MVFF’s Opening Night Film at the Drive-In, BLITHE SPIRIT. Her awards must fill a trophy room: that Oscar, a Tony, ten BAFTAs, seven Oliviers, and many, many more. Join us as we fête this Dame with her latest honor and conduct a lively discussion regarding her singular career.

In conversation with Zoë Elton. Special Guest Ian McKellen