Craigie 'stunned to silence' over special tribute

Sorcha Cusack was candid, she "would rather run a mile" than deliver a speech. "An actor without a role or script is best left in the shadows," she said, but "an exception has to be made when talking about an exceptional person".

She was speaking about fellow actor Ingrid Craigie, to whom she was about to present the Special Tribute Award, an announcement greeted with two standing ovations.

Cusack described Craigie as "an extraordinary mix, above all of honesty, passion, integrity, generosity and a great sense of fun", who also had "huge determination" and "ferocious openness". This was so not just in her work but as a human being who "stoically quite often, provided leadership. We are extremely lucky to have her."

She recalled Craigie's acting debut "playing my maid - how far the mighty have fallen!" - she stood there "awaiting my instruction, and blushed".

"She went on to astonish one of the world's great film directors John Huston, who remarked on this ability to blush, as she did as Mary Jane in The Dead."

Craigie recalled being "stunned into a very surprised silence, from which I am slowly recovering", when told she was to receive the award. "But I suppose we are always surprised at how others see us."

Recalling her role in The Dead, the producers told her that as soon as she walked into the room they knew they had their Mary Jane. "I was very flattered, of course, that my talent and charm was of such wattage."

Then she read a description of the character. "It said 'there is a spiritual quality to her, fastidious and gentle' - that was probably nerves - and 'Were she less intelligent she might be a nun. Certainly she will never marry'. Now I don't see myself like that at all!"

The award culminated "an extraordinary year for me, my 30th as an actor," Craigie continued. She said it was a year "which encapsulated and highlighted absolutely why I am still an actor, why it is important, why it matters - but it is not always easy.

"We struggle to maintain the balance between reality and faith, vulnerability and confidence - to remain open to the possibilities, all the possibilities, the joy and the pain to add to our understanding, our wonder, sometimes our grief but always our love."