Stephen Graham on being honored with the Richard Harris Award at the BIFAs: ‘It’s next level really’

“All of Us Strangers” was the big winner at Sunday’s British Independent Film Awards, coming away with seven wins including Best Film, but it was Stephen Graham who was the most celebrated artist in attendance. The Liverpudlian actor, who has starred in a variety of films and TV shows from “Gangs of New York” and “The Irishman” to “Help” and “Boiling Point,” received he Richard Harris Award. This prize, named after the Oscar-nominated legend who played Dumbledore in the first two “Harry Potter” movies, is given to an actor or actress whom the academy believes has contributed significantly to British independent films throughout their career.

The inaugural winner was John Hurt (coincidentally also a two-time Oscar nominee who featured in “Harry Potter” — as Ollivander) in 2003 while last year’s recipient was “The Walking Dead” star Samantha Morton. Other winners have included Tilda Swinton, Daniel Day-Lewis, Ralph Fiennes, Emma Thompson, and Judi Dench. This time, it was Graham’s turn to be awarded. He has previously been nominated for eight BAFTAs and two BIFAs while he also picked up two SAG Best TV Drama Ensemble awards in 2011 and 2012 for “Boardwalk Empire.” I asked him where the Richard Harris Award ranks among his many honors.

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“This is right at the top. To be acknowledged by your peers like that is unbelievable. It really is. It truly is. I’m extremely overwhelmed. It’s next level really,” Graham said. He went on to explain that while nobody makes a film or TV show specifically for awards, they do serve their purpose, particularly the British Independent Film Awards.“They are integral to the industry. It’s good to be able to acknowledge the achievements of the talents of the people that have been nominated. But it’s not a game of footie. There are no winners or losers, it’s all subjective, it’s other people’s opinions,” Graham said. “That’s what’s great about it in many ways. But it’s also, I think, the fact that people are sitting on them chairs and they’re here. That’s a hell of an achievement in itself.”

Eddie Marsan then stuck a head in and gave his friend Graham a massive hug. The two actors shared a lovely moment together as Marsan congratulated Graham on his well-deserved award before I asked Graham who he would choose to give the Richard Harris Award to next if he get to decide.

“Has Michael Fassbender got it? I’d give it to Michael Fassbender,” Graham said. That wasn’t the only victory Graham felt that day, however. His beloved football team, Liverpool FC, won 4-3 against Fulham FC. He was overjoyed at that too.

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