Judi Dench's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Judi Dench. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Dame Judi Dench is a highly acclaimed English retired actress, renowned for her versatility and considered one of Britain's finest. Over her illustrious seven-decade career, she has received numerous prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, a Tony Award, multiple Golden Globe Awards, BAFTAs for both television and film, and Olivier Awards. Her work encompasses a wide range of roles across both stage and screen.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1970: Appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

In the 1970 Birthday Honours, Judi Dench was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

1988: Appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)

In the 1988 New Year Honours, Judi Dench was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE).

1998: Shakespeare in Love Release and Awards

In 1998, Judi Dench appeared in "Shakespeare in Love", receiving critical acclaim for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I. She later won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her eight minutes on screen.

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1999: Tony Award Win, Tea with Mussolini, and The World Is Not Enough Release

In 1999, Judi Dench won the Tony Award for her Broadway performance in "Amy's View". She also co-starred in "Tea with Mussolini" and appeared in "The World Is Not Enough", where her character M had a larger role.

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January 2001: Death of Michael Williams and Filming The Shipping News

In January 2001, Judi Dench's husband, Michael Williams, passed away due to lung cancer. Shortly after his funeral, Dench began production on the film "The Shipping News" in Newfoundland, Canada, which she found therapeutic.

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2005: Appointed Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH)

In the 2005 Birthday Honours, Judi Dench was appointed Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH).

July 2010: Awarded honorary degree by Nottingham Trent University

On 22 July 2010, Judi Dench was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters (DLitt) by Nottingham Trent University.

2012: Release of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

In 2012, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was released to positive reviews. It became a surprise box-office hit following its international release, eventually grossing $US134 million worldwide. Dench received Best Actress nominations at the British Independent Film Awards and Golden Globe Awards.

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March 2013: Listed as one of the fifty best-dressed over-50s by The Guardian

In March 2013, Judi Dench was listed as one of the fifty best-dressed over-50s by The Guardian.

2013: Starring in Philomena

In 2013, Judi Dench starred in the film Philomena, directed by Stephen Frears. She received widespread acclaim for her performance and was nominated for an Oscar.

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2013: Underwent knee surgery

In 2013, Judi Dench underwent knee surgery and recovered from the procedure, stating that her knee was no longer an issue.

2016: Best Actress nomination at the International Emmy Awards

In 2016, Judi Dench earned her first Best Actress nomination at the International Emmy Awards for her performance in Esio Trot.

2016: Olivier Award, The Hollow Crown, and Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

In 2016, Judi Dench won an Olivier Award for The Winter's Tale and starred in The Hollow Crown and Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.

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2017: Release of Tulip Fever and Victoria & Abdul

In 2017, Judi Dench starred in Justin Chadwick's Tulip Fever and reprised her role as Queen Victoria in Stephen Frears's Victoria & Abdul. She earned a Golden Globe nomination for Victoria & Abdul.

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2017: Appeared on Debrett's list of most influential people in the UK

In 2017, Judi Dench, as one of the highest-profile actresses in British popular culture, appeared on Debrett's list of the most influential people in the UK.