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Judi Dench's failing eyesight means people have to describe films to her

‘A lot of things I miss – it’s not so much fun’

Sam Blewett
Friday 01 December 2017 17:29 GMT
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Dame Judi previously told how macular degeneration had left her unable to read scripts
Dame Judi previously told how macular degeneration had left her unable to read scripts (AP)

Dame Judi Dench has said she struggles to enjoy watching films because of her deteriorating eyesight.

The actress, 82, has been living with macular degeneration, which causes the gradual loss of vision.

Dame Judi previously told how the condition has left her unable to read scripts, but she has not let it slow her career and she was honoured at Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Thursday for her excellence in film.

Jeff Bridges, who was presenting the award, said he would vote for Dame Judi for an Academy Award for her “brilliant” performance in Victoria & Abdul, in which she revives her role as the 19th century monarch.

But Dame Judi shrugged off speculation of winning her second Oscar and instead chose to praise Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, although she admitted enjoying cinema is now difficult.

“Because my eyesight is so bad now, I can’t actually see very much and so I do go but a friend of mine usually has to say, ‘He’s kissing her now’ or ‘He’s walking away’,” she said.

“So a lot of things I miss – it’s not so much fun.”

Dunkirk features Harry Styles in his film debut but while the name of the One Direction singer can cause a frenzy among fans, it does not for Dame Judi.

Asked what she thought of his first performance, she said: “Who? What is Harry...”

Her publicist interjected to explain: “He’s a young singer.”

“Well, it shows how ignorant I am,” Dame Judi said, surprised.

Dame Judi was presented with the Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film by the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

Previous recipients of the annual honour include Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Quentin Tarantino and Harrison Ford.

PA

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