Samantha Morton dedicated her BAFTA Fellowship Award to “all children in care, or all children in care who do not survive.”
The 46-year-old actress, who spent her childhood in orphanages and residential homes, accepted the award from producer David Heyman, with whom she worked on Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, at the EE BAFTA Awards on Sunday. .
In a moving speech, she said: “This is truly a miracle. When I first saw Ken Loach's 'Kes' on the giant TV that was brought into my classroom, I was forever changed.
“Seeing poverty and people like me on screen made me realize myself. Representation matters.”
”[I would tell my younger self] You are important, don't give up. The stories we tell have the power to change people's lives.
“The film changed my life, changed me, and led me here today. I want to honor this award with all the children in our care, or who were in our care, and all those who didn't survive. Dedicated to the children of
Samantha was paid tribute to by her Minority Report co-star Tom Cruise, as well as co-creators Susan Lynch, Molly Windsor and Daniel Mays.
Samantha received this award in recognition of her contribution to British cinema throughout her career.
BAFTA Film Committee Chair Anna Higgs previously said: “Samantha Morton is a captivating storyteller with an incredibly wide range of range. He has championed valued stories and had an extraordinary impact on the British film industry.”
“On and off screen, she is constantly breaking down societal barriers and working to change the fabric of the screen industry for the better, often against great odds.
“Samantha is highly respected by her British and Hollywood peers alike for her versatility, talent and passion for the craft of acting, and will be honored for her exceptional body of work at next week's EE BAFTA Film Awards. I’m happy to be able to do it.”
Samantha follows in the footsteps of previous BAFTA winners of the top prize, including Lord Alfred Hitchcock, Charlie Chaplin, Dame Judi Dench, Martin Scorsese and Dame Helen Mirren.
