It was surreal to think the Queen of England not only knew who I was but thought enough of what I do to give me an award.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I've been working every year since I started acting, and I got many awards before I won the Oscar for 'The Queen.'
Elizabeth I was my favourite monarch though, what an inspiration, she did great things for women.
At The Body Shop we had always been measured by how many jobs we had created, and I got a major award from the Queen on that.
The queen and I always got on well, still do; I uphold everything Her Majesty represents, has given up her life for. It's her duty. For her country, she's selfless to the grave.
I don't feel I have to acknowledge how I'm doing by an award.
If you think about it, I made history. Not only was I the first black British woman to be nominated for an Oscar, I was the first black British person.
Awards are not something that I measure my work by. I've been so fortunate and I've gotten to do such terrific things that it seems petty to look back and say, 'Oh, I should have gotten that prize.' I don't look at it that way.
My mother thinks I'm a national treasure. She's the only one who thinks my Golden Kela award is the greatest gift ever.
To be awarded a prize which takes its name from an illustrious Dutchman who at the same time was a great citizen of Europe and through his writings did so much to open up our modern world of sensibility and thought is indeed a most signal honour.
The Companion of Honour I regarded as an award from the country for 50 years of work - which I thought was okay.