Showing posts with label Nelson Mandela. Show all posts

Friday, 6 December 2013

Naomie Harris, Idris Elba, Charlize Theron and Morgan Freeman lead tributes to Nelson Mandela as Hollywood mourns loss of great leader

Charlize Theron, Idris Elba and Morgan Freeman lead tributes to Nelson Mandela as Hollywood mourns loss of great leader

Naomie Harris

I am deeply saddened by the loss of one of the greatest inspirational leaders of our time. Today South Africa lost its spiritual father. Too often violence and oppression lead to further violence and retribution. He taught us to fight back with peace. Long before we made this movie, I was inspired, as so many have been, by the leadership, grace and compassion of Nelson Mandela. While no single film can replicate a person’s life, I am very proud to be part of our tribute to this extraordinary man. His accomplishments and approach to peace are lessons that will live on for generations.

Oscar winner Charlize says: 'There will never be words to say what I'm feeling right now, I'm saddened to the depths of my soul'
Idris - winning plaudits for playing Mandela - said: 'What an honor it was to portray a man who defied odds, broke down barriers, and championed human rights before the eyes of the world'
Mandela producer Anant Singh announced news of Mandela's death to shocked crowd at Royal premiere tonight
Movie mogul Harvey calls it an 'honour' to make the biopic based on Mandela's biography
Morgan Freeman, who played Mandela in 2009 film Invictus, described him as: 'A hero who treasure liberty, freedom and the dignity of humankind'
David Beckham, the Kardashians, Rihanna, Kerry Washington and Cher were among other stars paying their respects

By SARA NATHAN

PUBLISHED: 00:20, 6 December 2013 | UPDATED: 09:51, 6 December 2013

South African Oscar-winner Charlize Theron led the tributes to Nelson Mandela on Thursday night alongside movie mogul Harvey Weinstein - just hours after the Royal premiere of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.

Charlize, 38, said: 'My thoughts and love go out to the Mandela family. Rest in Peace Madiba. You will be missed, but your impact on this world will live forever,' adding: 'There will never be words to say what I'm feeling right now. I am saddened to the depths of my soul. Truly.'

Mr Weinstein, 61, who produced the movie starring Brits Idris Elba and Naomie Harris, told MailOnline: 'One of the privileges of making movies is having the opportunity to immortalize those who have made a profound impact on humanity.

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Tender: South African Oscar winner Charlize Theron shares a moment with Nelson Mandela on March 11, 2004, in Johannesburg, South Africa

Premiere: The Duchess of Cambridge meeting movie mogul Harvey Weinstein tonight at the London premiere of his film, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Royal seal of approval: Producer Harvey Weinstein greets Mandela stars Idris Elba and Naomie Harris and director Justin Chadwick at the Royal premiere of Mandela: London Walk to Freedom in London tonight

'We count ourselves unspeakably fortunate to have been immersed in Nelson Mandela’s story and legacy. It’s been an honor to have been granted such proximity to a man who will go down as one of history’s greatest freedom fighters and advocates for justice.'

The producer was joined by stars across the world, including Idris himself in paying tribute to the great leader.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and two of Mr Mandela's daughters, Zindzi and Zenani, were watching the movie when news of the former South African President's death broke.

Sad: South African-born Charlize Theron paid tribute to Mandela

Star: Charlize Theron adds to her message to Mandela family

Tribute: Rihanna posted a picture of Mandela

The Duke and Duchess were discreetly informed by aides during the screening.

And actor Idris Elba, who plays the former South African president, was in tears as producer Anant Singh announced the news to a stunned audience after the credits had rolled - followed by a two minutes' silence.

Speaking in the foyer of London's Leicester Square Odeon, a sombre Duke of Cambridge, with his wife by his side, said: 'I just wanted to say it's extremely sad and tragic news.

On-screen portrayal: Morgan Freeman played Mandela in 2009 movie Invictus

Grieving: Celebrities paid their respects to Nelson Mandela on Twitter tonight

'We were just reminded what an extraordinary and inspiring man Nelson Mandela was. "My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. It's very sad.'

Mr Mandela's daughter Zindzi, 55, has been promoting the movie at screenings in New York and last month attended a special screening at the White House in Washington DC. She looked overcome as she was ushered out of the premiere, according to onlookers.

Idris, 41, best known for roles in The Wire and BBC hit Luther, said: 'What an honor it was to step into the shoes of Nelson Mandela and portray a man who defied odds, broke down barriers, and championed human rights before the eyes of the world. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.'

Touching tributes: Tennis star Serena Williams posted a series of tweets dedicated to Nelson Mandela

Mr Weinstein added: 'I have had the privilege of spending time with President Mandela and I can say his sense of humor was as great as his optimism.

'We are deeply saddened by his loss; our hearts go out to his family and the entire South African nation.'

The Weinstein Company immediately scrapped a star-studded party planned for the Royal premiere as guests were described as walking out of the screening in shock and silence.

Celeb outpouring: Kim Kardashian also took to Twitter to pay respects, as well as a host of other names from the entertainment world

Morgan Freeman, who played the South African leader in the 2009 film Invictus, also paid tribute to Mandela, describing him as 'a saint to many, a hero to all who treasure liberty, freedom and the dignity of humankind'.

The 76-year-old actor – who some mistakenly posted a picture of next to tweets paying tribute to Mandela - added: 'As we remember his triumphs, let us, in his memory, not just reflect on how far we've come, but on how far we have to go.

'Madiba may no longer be with us, but his journey continues on with me and with all of us.'

Meanwhile, celebrities across the world were quick to pay their tributes to Mandela.

Superstar Rihanna posted a picture of Mandela on her Instagram account, with the message: 'One of the greatest men who's ever lived!!! #Legend We will never forget the things this man has taught us, and we will never truly comprehend the level of strength that it took for him to endure many of his years!! Thank you #Mandela.'

Taking to Twitter: Music legend Cher, 67, also shared her thoughts

David Beckham took to his Facebook account to post a picture of himself with the former South African President and anti-apartheid revolutionary.

The sportsman, who met the legendary figure in 2003 before the then-England captain played in a friendly fixture against South Africa, captioned the image with a simple: 'Thank you.'

Beckham also posted a longer tribute to Mandela shortly beforehand and admitted it was an 'honour' to have met such a 'courageous human being'.

He wrote on his Facebook page: 'My heart goes out to the people in South Africa and Mr Mandela's family. We have lost a true gentleman and a courageous human being. It was truly an honor to have known a man who had genuine love for so many people. Rest in peace (sic)'

Paying tribute: David Beckham posted an image of himself and Mandela on his Facebook page before writing a lengthy tribute message

Back in the day: David's wife Victoria met Mandela with the Spice Girls back in 1997, with members of the group all taking to Twitter to pay their respects

David's wife Victoria met Mandela along with her fellow Spice Girls bandmates – Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell, Mel B and Mel C – in 1997 when he jokingly declared: 'These are my heroes.'

Emma led the girl group's tributes to the great man last night, writing on Twitter: 'RIP Nelson Mandela. What a legacy he has left behind. I had the honour of meeting him and his spirit was unlike any other.'

Mel C tweeted: 'I always feel strange acknowledging somebody's passing on twitter but I have to say I am honoured to have met the great Nelson Mandela #RIP (sic)'

While some messages were short, others from celebrities were more detailed.

Actor Ryan Phillippe recalled meeting Nelson Mandela with his daughter Ava over ten years ago.

The 39-year-old actor wrote: 'The privilege of spending a small amount of private time w/ Mr. Mandela as he held my baby daughter, is a highlight of my life. Mandela was bouncing Ava, then two yrs old, on his knee & called her, “future leader”. I couldn’t believe it in that moment. I still can’t.'

More outpouring of love: From Justin Timberlake to Goldie Hawn

Celebrities discuss Mandela's legacy prior to his death

Heartfelt: The tweets continued to roll in as news spread of the leader's passing

Thursday, 5 December 2013

'We have just been reminded what an extraordinary and inspiring man he was': William's tribute as he and Kate leave premiere of film about Mandela's life

'We have just been reminded what an extraordinary and inspiring man he was': William's tribute as he and Kate leave premiere of film about Mandela's life... that they viewed unaware he was already dead

Mandela's death was announced in South Africa as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge watched film
In London, William and Kate were informed of his death discreetly by an aide shortly before the end of the film
Mandela's daughter, Zindzi, was representing the family at the film premiere tonight
Kate, 31, was wearing a dress by French designer Roland Mouret
Husband Prince William looked dapper in dinner jacket and black tie
While they stepped out, the couple's baby boy, Prince George, remained home at Kensington Palace

By REBECCA ENGLISH

PUBLISHED: 19:42, 5 December 2013 | UPDATED: 23:15, 5 December 2013

Royals, celebrities and members of Nelson Mandela's family attended the UK premiere of the biographical film of his life - oblivious to the fact the man it was about had died only hours earlier.

Mandela's death was announced as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the former South African president's daughter, Zindzi Mandela, sat down to watch the screening of Long Walk To Freedom, the movie based on his autobiography.

William and Kate were informed of his death discreetly by an aide shortly before the end of the film.

The news was then announced to stunned guests after the credits had rolled and a two minutes' silence held.

Speaking from the Odeon cinema, Prince William said: 'I just wanted to say it's extremely sad and tragic news.

'We were just reminded what an extraordinary and inspiring man Nelson Mandela was. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. It's very sad.'

William and Kate leave the film premiere of Nelson Mandela's biopic moments after being told he had died

Mandela's death was announced as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge sat down to watch the screening of Long Walk To Freedom

The Royal couple looked ashen-faced as they walked down the stairs into the foyer. Shortly after they left, shocked members of the audience began emerging from the cinema, in silence at first.

It was not clear what had happened to Mandela's daughter, Zindzi.

She had appeared jovial and relaxed walking the red carpet outside in Leicester Square before the premiere started but inside, as William and Kate met dignitaries, she seemed to be overcome.

Her publicist waved away reporters, prompting speculation that she had received word that her father was close to death.

Zindzi Mandela, who was representing the family at the film premiere tonight and was told the news her father was fading just minutes before it was due to start.

Speaking to the Mail just moments earlier, she said of the film: 'It's something that makes me feel really proud, what my family went through and the role my father played has been recognised. It is a reward [for him].

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge meets Zindzi Mandela (right), daughter of former South African president Nelson Mandela

Unaware of Mandela's death: The Duchess of Cambridge meets Zindzi Mandela (right), daughter of former South African president Nelson Mandela, at the Royal Premiere of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom in London

Before the announcement: From left to right, Tony Kgoroge, Naomie Harris, Zindzi Mandela, her sister Zenani, and Idris Elba at the UK premiere of Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom

The death of former South African president Nelson Mandela was announced during the UK premiere of a film about his life

'When we document our history in this manner we do it not just for ourselves but also for the future generations, young people that my father is really passionate about.

'He has seen clips of the film and said he saw [Idris] that he thought it was him.'

She added: 'When my 11 year-old grandson saw the movie last week I asked him what did he thought and he said 'the dude who played grandad when he talks he kind of reminds me of him'.

'I said: 'What about the lady who play big mammy? [Winnie Mandela]. He said: 'That chick, I think she's hot!' '

She then went into the cinema but, just moments later, was seen looking tearful and flustered as an aide helped her to sit down.

At the time it was thought she had been overcome by the emotion of the occasion but it now appears that she has just been given the sad news from South Africa.

Kate, 31, arrived wearing a dress by French designer Roland Mouret for the official 2013 Royal Film Performance in London.

Their four-month-old son, Prince George, remained home at Kensington Palace.

A dream in cream: The Duchess of Cambridge stunned at the Royal Film Performance of Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom on Thursday in London

Daring: The gown by French designer Roland Mouret may have been long sleeved but it featured a thigh-high split which showed off her legs as she walked the red carpet

Kate has worn the dress before - at a private dinner in May 2012 when Prince William spoke to the 'Thirty Club' at Claridges hotel - but 'blinged' it up tonight with an eye-catching costume jewellery necklace.

Her hair was swept back in a modern ponytail to show off her dramatic neckline to best effect.

SCTBF trustee Derek Cooper said meeting Kate was exciting, given last year she was unable to attend the royal premiere as she was in hospital with morning sickness while pregnant with Prince George.

'We met His Royal Highness, but we couldn't meet her because she was sick, so it was brilliant, exciting news when we heard she was coming this year,'
he said.

Hilda Prewett, a 101-year-old beneficiary of the fund, said she was thrilled to meet the duchess and had an interesting bit of history to share with her.
'It was wonderful to meet her, very exciting for me,' she said.

'Kate lived at Buckleberry and my daughter married the son that lived next door to her.'

Ms Prewett said her son works in the industry and the fund helps pay for her care at Glebelands Nursing Home.

Starring British actor Idris Elba, 'Mandela' follows the iconic anti-apartheid leader’s extraordinary life from childhood through to his 27-year imprisonment on Robben Island and, finally, his inauguration as the first democratically elected President of South Africa in 1994.

Date night: Kate was joined at the premiere by her husband Prince William, enjoying an evening off from parenting duties

Another British actress, Skyfall’s Naomie Harris, plays the politician’s controversial wife, Winnie.

The film itself, which has been 16 years in the making, has received mixed reviews from critics, but Elba, who is best known for his role as a detective chief inspector in the hit TV series Luther, has been praised as ‘towering’ and ‘Oscar-worthy’.

Speaking on the red carpet last night he told Mail Online: 'Everyone knows who Mandela is, everyone has an idea of what he sounds and looks like. I worked really hard to pull in all the elements, from the sound of his voice to the way he walks. I don't look anything like him but it was really important the audience got a sense of who Mandela is because the likelihood is that we will never meet him in person.

Long walk: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stroll down the red carpet

As William and Kate stepped out, their four-month-old son, Prince George, remained home at Kensington Palace

Night out at the pictures: Prince William And Kate Middleton go to the cinema

Kate has worn the dress before - at a private dinner in May 2012 when Prince William spoke to the 'Thirty Club' at Claridges hotel

'For somone who doesn't look like Mandela you have got to work harder to get the audience in there.

'I think he [Mandela] has seen parts of the film but ultimately it's about his life, he's been there, he's done it - so he might not even need to see it.

'Tonight is extra special because this is my country and when the royals come out to watch a film it's. a big deal. I feel very proud that it's my film, really proud.'

At the start of the film Mr Mandela, 95, was believed to still be in a criticial condition after being hospitalised earlier this year with a recurring lung infection.

The Duchess of Cambridge's hair was swept back in a modern ponytail to show off her dramatic neckline to best effect

Arriving: Kate 'blinged' up her dress tonight with an eye-catching costume jewellery necklace

On Wednesday his daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, insisted he was ‘still with us, strong, courageous’ but admitted for the first time that he was on his 'deathbed’.

'Even for a lack of a better word... on his deathbed he is teaching us lessons - lessons in patience, in love, lessons of tolerance,’ she added.

'Every moment I get with him I'm amazed.

'There are times where I have to pinch myself that I come from this man who is a fighter even though you can see he is struggling, but the fighting spirit is still there with him.'

Kate appeared to be enjoying her night out at the pictures as she arrived with William

Zindzi Mandela, speaking before the start of the film, said: 'It's something that makes me feel really proud, what my family went through and the role my father played has been recognised. It is a reward [for him].

'When we document our history in this manner we do it not just for ourselves but also for the future generations, young people that my father is really passionate about.

'He has seen clips of the film and said he saw [Idris] that he thought it was him.'

Kate often favours going out in jewel tones so white is a deviation from the norm

Kate wore this jewel-encrusted necklace on her night out at Odeon Leicester Square

The Duchess of Cambridge took this little black bag to the screening of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

She added: 'When my 11 year-old grandson saw the movie last week I asked him what did he thought and he said 'the dude who played grandad when he talks he kind of reminds me of him'.

'I said: 'What about the lady who play big mammy? [Winnie Mandela]. He said: 'That chick, I think she's hot!''

Miss Harris, wearing a black bejewlled gown by one of the Duchess's favourite designers, Alexander McQueen, wasn't within earshot of the compliment but said earlier she was delighted that William and Kate were gracing the premiere.

Family affair: Zindzi Mandela on the red carpet at the Royal film performance of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Family affair: Nelson Mandela's daughter Zindzi Mandela on the red carpet at the Royal film performance of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Idris Elba and Naomie Harris at the film premiere

(Left - right) Producer Anant Singh and Zindzi Mandela (right) arriving for the Royal Film Performance of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Stars of the film (pictured left) Idris Elba and Naomie Harris, who plays Winnie Mandela, and (pictured right) producer Anant Singh and Zindzi Mandela (right) arriving for the Royal Film Performance of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Idris Elba and Skyfall's Naomie Harris pose for the camera in London's Leicester Square

'I have met him before several times at the polo and I hear she is just as down to earth as him,' she said.

Each year the Royal Film Performance is staged to raise funds for the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund, which supports industry employees and their families in times of hardship.

As well as the film’s director and cast, the Duke and Duchess will meet a selection of the film’s trustees and beneficiaries.

Also benefitting from this year’s event is The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, which works with the disadvantaged youth of South Africa.

Naomie's TV and Film Credits