Lucy Liu Honoured with Réalta Award in Belfast
Actress Lucy Liu received the Réalta Award at the Belfast Film Festival for her role in the film Rosemead. The Charlie’s Angels star expressed her deep appreciation for the recognition in a city she called "magical," reflecting on her experience filming Old Guy in Belfast two years ago.
"I was really touched to be honoured here," Liu told the PA news agency. "To actually live here for that month is different than just coming to visit. I felt very connected to the community, and everyone on the crew was very warm and full of joy."
She was also moved by Northern Ireland’s history and the city’s remarkable transformation, noting, "there’s a story behind everything."
About the Film Rosemead
Rosemead tells the true story of Irene Chao, an immigrant widow with terminal cancer, whose teenage son faces mental health difficulties. The film is set within the Chinese American community of Rosemead, California.
"There’s still a lot of stigma around mental health in so many places around the world," Liu said, emphasizing the story’s wider relevance.
She found it shocking that the real events unfolded as recently as 2015, describing the tragedy as "preventable."
"There was a lot of fear for this mother, and she loved her son so much," Liu said. "I really tried to come from a place of love and to understand how difficult it must have been for her to make that choice."
Summary
Lucy Liu was honoured for her heartfelt performance in a film addressing mental health stigma, reflecting on her meaningful connection to Belfast and the powerful story behind Rosemead.