Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, and Love Actually were at the heart of the evening’s reflections. Richard Curtis was joined on stage by Bill Nighy and Tim McInnerny, who reflected on their roles in the films and the importance their collaborations with Duncan held in their careers.
Reminiscing on those enduring friendships, Duncan said: “How fortunate I am that the memories made with some of my closest friends will live on through the films we made together.”
Beyond these partnerships, Duncan co-founded DNA Films with Andrew Macdonald and also produced films including The Children Act (2007), The Eagle (2011), and The Pass (2016).
Russell Tovey joined Richard on stage to discuss The Pass, having also played the lead in the original stage production. He recalled how Duncan brought the film together after seeing the play, “Duncan is an energy of generosity”. He commented on his commitment to tell stories that can change people’s lives, both as a producer and as an industry mentor to young people hoping to break into the industry. This was also commended by BAFTA-winning Hayder Hoozeer, who joined the panel of guests to talk on Duncan’s Toledo Scholarship programme at the NFTS for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Having himself been a Toledo Scholar, Hayder commented “To have that support from one of the greatest producers of our generation makes you feel like there’s a spark inside of you that is lit by the bright fire of Duncan.”
