Apparently heads of state are eligible for acting awards in the U.K. On Thursday night in London, Kenneth Branagh presented the Queen with an honorary BAFTA for her longtime patronage of British film and television. During the tribute, BAFTA chairman John Willis noted the monarch’s work onscreen for last summer’s Olympic Opening Ceremony, calling her “the most memorable Bond girl yet.” Branagh, meanwhile, encouraged the Queen to pursue her burgeoning acting career and jokingly offered to contact her agent, Daniel Craig, about future casting opportunities.
Although no U.S. heads of state have received an Academy Award, honorary head of state Oprah Winfrey received an honorary Oscar in 2011. In February, First Lady Michelle Obama announced the best-picture winner, Argo, at the Academy Awards via satellite from Washington. Like the FLOTUS, the Queen did not have to attend an official awards ceremony to participate. She was given her award during a private reception at Windsor Castle. Disappointingly, she did not make a speech or attempt an endearing Jennifer Lawrence–like podium stunt. After accepting the BAFTA, while still carrying her purse, she smiled before immediately handing it off to a nearby officer.
Related: Danny on Boyle on Directing the Queen in the Olympic Opening Ceremony
