Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Marcia Gay Harden apologises for perceived dig at Judi Dench about 2001 Oscar win

Actor said that her words in recent interview were ‘misinterpreted’

Isobel Lewis
Friday 16 April 2021 06:12 EDT
Comments
Harden (left) has apologised for her comments
Harden (left) has apologised for her comments (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Marcia Gay Harden has apologised for a comment in a recent interview that was perceived to be a dig at Judi Dench.

Last week, Harden implied that Dench “wasn’t so happy” after losing out to her at the Oscars in 2001. The actor won in the Best Supporting Actress category for her role in Pollock, with Dench also nominated for Chocolat.

Speaking about her victory, Harden said that one of her fellow nominees “wasn’t so happy” about the result, before eliminating Kate Hudson, Julie Walters and Frances McDormand from the running.

“I don’t want to say anything negative about anybody, honestly,” she said. “It was my perception that somebody wasn’t so happy, but you never know what people have going on. Whatever.”

After her comments were widely reported on, Harden posted an apology on social media, claiming that her words had been “misinterpreted”.

“I have never met Ms Dench – though if I had, I am certain I would have found her to be as generous and supportive as she is respected,” she wrote.

“I am deeply sorry for anything that would have led anyone to think otherwise.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in