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Poorly Judi Dench shuns the Oscars ceremony
Last updated at 09:08am on 12.02.07
Brit treasure: Dame Dench is suffering from knee problems
This year's Oscar ceremony will see three of Britain's finest leading ladies compete to win the statuette for Best Actress.
But while Dame Helen Mirren, nominated for her role in The Queen, and Kate Winslet, for her performance in Little Children, have both spoken of their excitement at attending the most prestigious award ceremony in film, on February 25, Dame Judi Dench will be unable to attend due to poor health.
Dame Judi, arguably the nation's favourite actress, has been nominated for her performance as the manipulative schoolteacher in Notes On A Scandal.
But the 72-year-old, who famously won an Oscar in 1999 for her eight-minute performance as Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare In Love, is scheduled to have an important knee operation at the end of this month and has told friends it will coincide with the most important date in the film industry's calender.
'Judi has had this knee injury for a while and finally decided to do something about it,' says a friend.
'It has to be carried out by a specialist at a certain time. Even if they bring the operation forward, she is going to need some recovery time.'
Dame Judi has suffered from the knee problem for a number of years and has told friends that the pain is unbearable - she once described it as 'bone on bone'.
'She feels she would be jeopardising her health if she were to miss the operation for the sake of going to the Oscars,'says a chum.
'She wants to go but Judi has been to the Oscars before and doesn't care about the glitz and the glam of it all.'
However, sources insist Judi's insouciant approach to the ceremony also lies in her belief there is no point attending as Helen Mirren is tipped to win.
'Judi said in a recent interview that she didn't give 'two hoots' that Helen had been nominated, but really she thinks it has ruled out any chance of her walking away with a gong,' continues a friend.
'Helen has already won the Golden Globe for best actress and that's usually a good indicator of who will go on to win an Oscar.'
Reader views (13)
My prayers for your speedy recovery! Certainly going to miss seeing you!
- Ed, St. Louis, MO USA
An outstanding actress, yes. But it has been overkill with her exposure and if I never saw her in anything else, it would be too soon. There surely are up-and-coming Brit actresses of equal talent for fresh faces and acting interpretations.
- Chuck, VA
Best wishes to Dame Judi for a quick recovery from surgery. Thanks for sharing "As Time Goes By" with us in America. What a wonderful and entertaining program! You shine by being real, and not only are you real, but gifted as an actress. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. Get well soon!
- Lauri, Washington State, USA
We love you, Dame Judi! I hope all goes will with your surgery. You are a very classy lady and one hell of an actor.
- Jan, Atlanta - USA
Judi Dench is one - if not the - finest actresses of our time. If there is another TV series better than "As Time Goes By" on television, I haven't found it. Cheers!
- Rose Glass, USa
If Dame Judi isn't going to be at the Oscars there's no point in watching it. I love the candid camera shots of the audience and always look for her. Knowing full well As Time Goes By is as old as the hills, Dame Judi is always a delight to watch and so is her co-star in the series - so natural one would think they actually live together, or should.
- Jim Martin, Greensboro, NC
I've always thought what a practical gal Judi was and this proves it. Good for you Judi! Leave all the hoopla aside this year. Come again some other year when the death of an over-exposed blonde star-wanna-be isn't front page news.
You are the real thing Judi, like Vanessa Redgrave you are timeless. The sparkle in your eyes is a joy to behold.
- Amanda Blue, The Fort in USA
NO ONE can hold a candle to Judi Dench. We have seen her in As
Time Goes By for years and we wouldn't miss anything she acts in.
- Mary Crotts, Due West, SC. USA
I disagree with the posting about Ms Dench running rings around Ms Mirren. First, it is art, and all art is subjective. But second, Ms Mirren showed depth and dimension, and her character actually matured during the film. Ms Dench did an absolutely fine job, but because of the nature of the film, her character had similar depth and dimension, but was not allowed to grow. My vote goes to Ms Mirren mainly because of the subtleties brought to the role. There is a scene near the end where in the hallway her face changes ever so slightly and that conveys everything you need to know at that point. Ms Dench never got a chance for a similar scene. Both ladies are pure national treasures not just for Britain, but for film in general. The art of acting is being overtaken by the wanna-be's who have charisma, but have a long way to go on the art and skill of acting. Both ladies should be congratulated and are a joy to watch.
- Robert Nunemaker, Sunrise, Fl
I think Judi is fabulous. I wish her a speedy recovery. I think when you turn out the kind of performances she has over the years, you don't need an Oscar to prove how good you are. I have watched "As Time Goes By" so often, I have memorized each episode. She is fabulous.
- Christine Moriarty, Chicago, USA
Dame Judi Dench will reign supreme at any rate! Her health and well being is more important than an appearance at the Oscars, though she will be sorely missed.
- Joanne Gottlieb, Henderson, Nevada USA
I saw Notes on a Scandal this weekend and I think Ms Dench might be selling herself short. Her performance in Scandal runs rings around Helen Mirren in "The Queen".
- James Ward, Jackson MS
I love Dame Judi and I hope she does whatever is best for her health so that she may act for many years to come. She's the best. And best wishes to her!
- Nancy Krupp, Millbrook, NY USA
