Carey Mulligan dedicates award win to 'true independent spirit' Helen McCrory
Carey Mulligan dedicated her win for Best Female Lead at the Film Independent Spirit Awards to the late Helen McCrory.
The actor won the prize for her portrayal of a friend out for revenge in Promising Young Woman and spoke of McCrory, whose death aged 52 was announced last week following a private battle with cancer, as a "true independent spirit" in her acceptance speech.
Mulligan, 35, shared: “I want to dedicate this award to a true independent spirit, an actress that I have looked up to and will continue to look up to for the rest of my career, Helen McCrory.
“So thank you to her for everything she gave us.”
Read more: Damian Lewis pens emotional tribute to late wife Helen McCrory
McCrory's husband, Homeland actor Damian Lewis, announced news of her death last Friday.
In a tweet he shared: “I’m heartbroken to announce that after a heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family.
“She died as she lived. Fearlessly. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly. Go now Little One, into the air, and thank you.”
Tributes poured in for the star, whose roles have included Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series and Aunt Pol in Peaky Blinders.
Read more: Helen McCrory remembered by on-screen son Tom Felton
The Peaky Blinders cast and crew paid tribute to McCrory with a clapperboard painted with a picture of her in character surrounded by the words: "Rest In Peace Helen."
The picture, posted to the BBC's official Peaky Blinder's account, was captioned: "Forever part of the Peaky Blinders family."
At the Spirit Awards, Mulligan also mentioned her fellow nominees Nicole Beharie, Viola Davis, Sidney Flanigan, Julia Garner and Frances McDormand as well as Promising Young Woman's Academy Award-nominated director Emerald Fennell.
She's also up for Best Actress at Sunday's Oscar ceremony.
With additional reporting by PA.
Watch: Harry Potter stars pays tribute to Helen McCrory
