Helen Mirren has traded in her signature short silver bob for a flowing blonde look.
A New Look For Berlinale
The 77-year-old British actress debuted the new ‘do on Monday at the Berlin International Film Festival, where her new film, Golda , premiered.
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Classic Beauty
Mirren hit the red carpet wearing her golden tresses in soft waves, which she paired with a subtle and classic makeup look.
Elegant In A Black Gown
As for the rest of her red carpet attire, the Oscar-winning star of The Queen opted for a black gown with a draped neckline and sculptural sleeves.
Glamorous Hollywood Icon
Her dress featured a fitted silhouette that showed off her ageless figure, and she looked every inch the glamorous Hollywood icon!
Dark Palette With A Bit Of Sparkle
She finished off her ensemble with black heels and a matching purse, and added a bit of sparkle with a pair of dangling earrings and a glittering watch.
Berlinale Premiere of ‘Golda’
Mirren attended Berlinale for the premiere of Golda , a biopic about Israel’s first female Prime Minister, Golda Meir, in which she plays the title role.
What The Movie Is About
Golda follows the story of the woman known as the “Iron Lady of Israel” as she led the country through the Yom Kippur War in 1973.
Movie Deets
The film was directed by Israeli filmmaker Guy Nattiv and written by Nicholas Martin, who also wrote the 2016 drama/romance Florence Foster Jenkins starring Meryl Streep.
Who Was Golda Meir?
Meir was a polarizing figure during her time, admired by some for being a Jewish icon but hated by others for her controversial decisions that resulted in thousands of deaths during the Yom Kippur War.
Casting Debate
The biopic has generated some controversy as well, as a debate has been ignited over the casting of a non-Jewish actress for the lead role.
The Director Defended The Casting
However, Nattiv defended his decision to cast Mirren as Meir during the film’s press conference in Berlin, saying he knew she was right for the role as soon as he met her.
What He Said
“I can tell it from my point of view as a director. When I met Helen in my house, I felt like I was meeting a family member, like an aunt,” he said, per Deadline .
‘Jewish Chops To Portray Golda’
“I felt that I’m meeting someone like a Jewish person because for me she’s got the Jewish chops to portray Golda,” he added.
Mirren Got It
He explained that after speaking for four hours during that first meeting, he was certain Mirren got “everything in this character.”
The Actress Has ‘Deep Admiration’ For Meir
As for the Eye in the Sky actress, she spoke about having a “deep admiration” for the Israeli leader because of the role.
‘Extraordinarily Brave’
“She was extraordinarily brave and with a commitment to Israel that was total,” she said.
She Compared Her To Elizabeth I
“In a weird way, it was a bit like playing Elizabeth the First of England… not because she had regality or anything but for her commitment to her country and to her nation,” the actress continued.
She Admired Her Maternal Side As Well
Mirren also expressed admiration for Meir’s maternal side, saying that although she lived a happy and contented life on the kibbutz , she bravely answered the call to serve.
What She Said About The Casting Controversy
As for the casting controversy, going by the logic of allowing only Jews to play Jews, she asked whether that meant Jews wouldn’t be allowed to portray non-Jews anymore – an observation that director Nattiv called “very smart.”
