Hugh Grant Reflects on Cherished Memories with ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’ Director

Over the years, Hugh Grant and director Richard Curtis have developed a close working relationship, producing well-known romantic comedies such as ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’ (2001), ‘Love Actually’ (2003), and ‘Four Weddings’ and ‘Funeral’ (1994). Grant presented Curtis with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 15th Governors Awards in November. Grant recounted some amusing recollections from their filming experiences and reflected on his time working with his longtime collaborator before presenting him with the prestigious medal.

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Grant made fun of Curtis’s directing approach, pointing out that although a lot of his movies dealt with love, Curtis was anything but the kind and sensitive filmmaker one might anticipate. He remembered how Curtis would occasionally remind him that they could always clip past specific scenes or ask for a humorous interpretation. 

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Grant also related how Curtis wasn’t as impressed with his performance at the ‘Four Weddings’ and a ‘Funeral’ audition, but his other cast members were. He jokingly said that although the producers were keen to cast him, Curtis disliked him right away and made it apparent that Curtis “did everything in his power” to prevent him from getting the part.

On the occasion, Curtis was presented with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, while producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson were given the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award. Academy Honorary Awards were also given to Juliet Taylor and the late Quincy Jones. Academy President Janet Yang hailed Curtis in June as a “brilliant comedic storyteller” who deserved the honour for his charity endeavours.

–Farheen Ali