Vanessa Redgrave earns European tribute

Oscar winning actress Vanessa Redgrave's 50-year career was saluted by her colleagues in the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science.

Redgrave, who has made more than 70 films, was toasted with the Academy's first ever European tribute to an actor, at the Curzon Soho in London. She said: "I am simply amazed by this wonderful tribute.

"I am immensely grateful to the Academy and to all my colleagues, for thinking of me in this generous way."

The event was hosted by Sir David Hare and included special guests Meryl Streep, Ralph Fiennes, Joely Richardson, James Earl Jones and Dame Eileen Atkins.

Mr Hare said: "Wherever you go in the world, people know and admire Vanessa Redgrave.

"There are not many consistently brilliant 50-year careers in the history of cinema, but hers is one of them."

Tom Sherak, Ampas president, added: "Vanessa Redgrave's depth and range as an actress have earned her work the admiration of peers, critics and fans.

"We are delighted as an organisation to be celebrating her career this evening."

Ralph Fiennes, who directed Redgrave in his directorial debut Coriolanus, said: "I'm honoured and delighted to participate in this celebration of Vanessa Redgrave.

"She is one of the greatest actresses, inspiring to work with on so many levels. She is unique."

A member of the distinguished Redgrave acting family, she rose to prominence in 1961, playing Rosalind in As You Like It with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Since then, in addition to the Oscar she received for her supporting performance in Julia (1977), and her nominations for Morgan! (1966), Isadora (1968), Mary, Queen of Scots (1971), The Bostonians (1984) and Howards End (1992), Redgrave's honours include Olivier, Tony, Emmy, Screen Actors Guild and Cannes Film Festival awards.