Vanessa Redgrave CBE

Born into an illustrious acting family, Vanessa Redgrave is one of the most distinguished and talented actresses in British history, in fact, “the greatest actress of our time” according to Tennessee Williams. The awards to her name include an Academy Award, two Emmys, two Golden Globes, two Cannes Best Actress awards and a Tony. In November 2011, Redgrave received an honour at the Oscars Academy for 50 years in the industry, during which she made over 70 films, the first time such an honour has been awarded to a British actress.

Always supportive of human rights causes, Redgrave has always been vocal on the point of supporting the Palestinian people, as well as condemning both anti-Semitism and Zionism, most famously while accepting her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for the film Julia (1977). Largely an unpopular cause at the time, Redgrave’s career suffered as a result of her courage to speak out against injustice. Yet, she continues to support the Palestinian cause, and thanks to her humanitarian work, has been elected to serve as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.