Many thanks to Ilaria for submitting a transcript of Meryl’s speech after receiving the Golden Marc’Aurelio Acting Award at the Rome International Film Festival. Her few Italian lines have been translated into English for an easier reading. Thanks Ilaria!
Thank you, thank you so much… two microphones (laughs). Uulalala. I apologise for not speaking Italian as Helen Mirren but, Helen, (in response to Miss Mirren’s previous speech in which she mentioned inspiring Italian actresses) don’t forget Senta Berger, Giulietta Masina, Silvana Mangano and the madonna of all the actresses, Eleonora Duse, everyone italian!! I have to speak english. At this moment in my life after being an actress for… ok, 30 years, more than 30 years, having paid off all my students loans, all I feel is gratitude, really, that’s all I feel (applause). Because an actor is nothing but a listener and a talker, so we need the writer, we need the director, we need you, young writers and directors and producers, people who find the money, we need each other, other actors… so I’m not here by myself, I’m here with all the fantastic people who have led me by the hand to this moment, including my parents, my husband who made it possible to have this amazing career (applause) and all my friends living and gone… so thank you very much.
