Source: Radio New Zealand
The award recognises the 78-year-old’s five-decade career, from his breakthrough in Sleeping Dogs and international acclaim in Jane Campion’s Academy Award-winning The Piano and Jurassic Park and its sequels.
“I am very pleased and proud to be accepting this award amongst my friends and peers,” Sir Sam said.
“I just worked it out that it’s been 53 years in film – that does indeed sound like a lifetime! Thanks to all concerned. Very honoured.”
Fellow award recipient Kightley said Sir Sam was one of those people whose existence helped make others around them and the world a better place.
“He’s done so much for New Zealand and especially the screen industry here. He’s an inspiration to many. I’m stoked to be alive at the same time as him.”
He has also received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for his performance in the NBC miniseries Merlin (1998) and won a British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award for Reilly: Ace of Spies (1983).
Beyond acting, Sir Sam is the founder and proprietor of Two Paddocks, a boutique vineyard and winery located in Central Otago.
The winners of this year’s New Zealand Screen Awards will be announced at a ceremony hosted by comedian Pax Assadi, on 21 November at the Viaduct Events Centre, Auckland.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
