Richard E Grant fought back tears as he hosted the 2023 BAFTAs during a beautiful tribute to late stars.
Introducing the emotional segment of the show, that sees the ceremony remember those in the film industry who died in the last 12 months, Richard became incredibly moved.
Getting noticeably choked up as he spoke, the Game Of Thrones star, who sadly lost his wife in 2021, said: “Tonight is celebration of film in all its mad, sad, funny, frightening, thought-provoking forms.”
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The 65-year-old actor added: “Let’s take this opportunity to pay tribute to those members of the global film community that we sadly lost over the last 12 months.”
(Image: : Getty Images)
Getting even more emotional, Richard’s voice broke as he apologised to the audience.
“I’m sorry,” he managed to say, before continuing: “Their impact lives on. Let’s take a moment to remember them now.”
After he spoke, the likes of Dame Angela Lansbury, Dame Olivia Newton-John, Sylvia Syms, Robbie Coltrane and Burt Bacharach appeared on screen, giving viewers a moment to reflect.
(Image: : Getty Images)
When the emotional segment concluded, Richard added: “Their legacies will live on.”
Richard’s high emotion might have been sparked by loss of his own.
He sadly lost his wife Joan in 2021 after she was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.
The pair married in 1986 and welcomed one daughter, Olivia, with Richard being step dad to his wife’s son Tom.
(Image: Getty Images for BAFTA)
This came after Richard referenced Will Smith’s Oscars slap last spring after comedian Chris Rock made a joke about Jade Pinkett Smith.
Referencing the moment when Will slapped host Chris in 2022, Richard said: “On my watch no one gets slapped tonight.”
He then added that the only slaps being received would be those “on the back”.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
