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Manchester by the Sea - Winners' acceptance speech, Original Screenplay, EE British Academy Film Awards in 2017

12 February 2017

Winners' acceptance speech by Kenneth Lonergan for Manchester by the Sea in the Original Screenplay category

KENNETH LONERGAN: Well, this is genuinely overwhelming. I never thought I would be standing on the stage of the Albert Hall.

I just want to thank everyone, really; everyone in the room. Thank you, BAFTA, thank you so much. Thank you Studio Canal. Thank you Sierra/Affinity.

Thank you Amazon.

I am very proud to be here representing the nominees for original screenplay and also all the screenwriters who have made wonderful films this year. 

Screenwriters are in the unique position, because a screenwriter alone understands the thrill of watching an actor become a character that you have only imagined.

My cast in Manchester by the Sea is amongst the finest cast I have ever worked with. It is amongst the finest cast I've ever seen in a film. Michelle and Casey and Lucas Hedges, I can't tell you what a thrill and an honour it is to have worked with you. If I may single out Casey for one of the most brilliant performances I have ever seen, I think I will.

I also want to thank my producers, Kimberly Steward, Matt Damon, Lauren Beck, Chris Moore.

You know, we tried to make a film about looking grief and sorrow in the face and we found that when you do that, you will find love and duty coming along with it. Wherever in the world you find loss and sorrow, you find loss and strength as well.

If I may indulge in a personal anecdote: the morning after the presidential election in the United States, my daughter woke up in tears. She didn't want to go to school. 

My wife insisted that she go. She said there were children at school who were probably frightened and perhaps you could help them. She went. She turned fifteen two weeks ago. She has been to five protest demonstrations in that time. I am very, very proud of her.

I am very proud and grateful to my wife, J Smith-Cameron, I love you very much. Nellie Lonergan, if you're watching this in New York, I love you too.

Thank all very much.