Actor praises Northern Irish hospitality as she collects Réalta Award for Rosemead
Lucy Liu has paid tribute to the warmth and generosity of the people of Northern Ireland as she received a special honour at the Belfast Film Festival. The Hollywood star was presented with the prestigious Réalta Award — meaning “star” in Irish — in recognition of her work both on and off screen, including her commitment to storytelling and advocacy around mental health.
The Charlie’s Angels and Kill Bill actress delighted festivalgoers as she arrived in Belfast on Sunday for the Irish premiere of her new film Rosemead, which she also produced. Dressed in a black leather frock coat with puffed sleeves and a crisp white blouse tied with a large bow, Liu smiled as she accepted the owl-shaped trophy before a packed audience.
“It’s just an honour to be here and to celebrate all of the art and the culture the festival has brought to the community,” she told BBC News NI. “People here are so warm and welcoming — it’s always such a joy to return.”
Liu has fond memories of her time in Northern Ireland, having spent a month filming the action comedy Old Guy there in 2023. “I indulged in a lot of carbs,” she laughed. “I had soda bread, potato bread — I loved it all. I did skip the black pudding, though!”
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The actress said she made “really lovely friends” while working in Belfast and praised the local film community for its energy and professionalism. “People seem to have so much joy, and I had a great working experience with everybody,” she said.
Festival director Michele Devlin and Richard Williams from Northern Ireland Screen joined Liu at the ceremony, celebrating both her artistic achievements and her growing reputation as a producer. Rosemead, which made its Irish debut at the festival, explores the relationship between a terminally ill mother and her schizophrenic teenage son — a poignant drama that Liu hopes will spark vital conversations about mental health.
“I don’t think there can be enough conversations about mental health,” Liu said. “It’s something people are talking about more and more, especially on social media, which is a great thing. It shouldn’t be shrouded in shame, and that’s what I want to help bring to light through this movie.”
She described producing as a deeply immersive process that allowed her to be involved “from the very beginning,” giving her a stronger connection to the story and the people making it. “Being involved as a producer imburses you completely in the project,” she explained. “You’re not just walking in when everything is already set up — you’re helping to shape the vision from the ground up.”
When asked whether she plans to continue working behind the camera, Liu said she hopes to take on more producing roles in the future. “I love the producing aspect,” she said. “I think I’m going to be more involved in future projects that way, connecting with people I really enjoy working with.”
The 25th Belfast Film Festival, which draws audiences and filmmakers from around the world, has built a reputation for celebrating creativity and community. This year’s edition highlighted stories with social impact, from independent films to international premieres.
Liu said she was moved by the warm reception she received from Northern Irish audiences and offered words of encouragement to young filmmakers hoping to follow in her footsteps. “Be a part of things, experience things,” she said. “There’s no easy route as an artist, but you learn as you go — and that’s how you hone your skills.”
As she posed for photos with fans and festival organisers, Liu’s gratitude was clear. “This place has such a heart,” she said. “It feels wonderful to be back