Glenda Jackson and Jennie Linden in Women In Love |
BIFA said: “Glenda Jackson is a pioneer of stage and screen whose choice of roles has often challenged and changed the narrative around both class and female representation. Her incredible body of work has spanned many genres and generations and she remains, to this day, one of the UK’s most talented and beloved thespians. Not only a multi award-winning actress but also a respected parliamentarian, her return to her craft in recent years, to much critical acclaim and joy, has been a triumph. Her contribution to the British film industry has been lasting and impactful and we are thrilled to honour her and her incredible body of work with this award.”
Jackson, who has been acting since she left school to join an amateur theatre group at 16, began taking roles on TV in film in the Fifties and won a Best Actress Oscar in 1971 for Women in Love. She won a second Oscar in 1974, for A Touch Of Class. Her career is studded with critical successes, including, most recently, TV drama Elizabeth Is Missing, for which she won a BAFTA. Away from her acting work, she also served as a Labour MP in the 1990s.
Glenda said of the award: “I was very surprised to receive this award; it’s very kind of BIFA.”