‘I just do my job’ – Sir Ridley Scott wonders why he received latest honour
Sir Ridley Scott was recognised for services to the UK film industry on Wednesday by the Prince of Wales.
Film director Sir Ridley Scott said he was trying to work out what he had done to merit being made a Knight Grand Cross, as he was honoured by the Prince of Wales.
Sir Ridley, 86, whose filmography includes Gladiator, Blade Runner and Alien, was recognised for services to the UK film industry at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.
In 2002, Sir Ridley received a knighthood in the New Year Honours for his services to the British film industry.
In 1977, Sir Ridley made his first foray into movies with The Duellists, which won the jury prize for best first work at the Cannes Film Festival.
He followed it with the landmark science fiction films Alien in 1979 and Blade Runner in 1982.
Discussing his upcoming film Gladiator 2, Sir Ridley said he wants to be “discreet” about the nature of the main character, Lucius Verus, played by Irish actor Paul Mescal.
He said: “My job is to try and just be discreet about the mystery of who this man might be.
“Frequently sequels are kind of hard work, this film is a legitimate story, which answers questions like what is the reason, why does this happen and who.”
He added that he enjoys learning about history through each film he directs or produces.
“What’s interesting is we keep making the same mistakes, the world doesn’t learn anything from history – look where we are now. We are brewing the perfect storm.”
While posing for photographs outside Windsor Castle, Lionesses footballer Mary Earps was asked if she would consider acting in Gladiator 2.
Sir Ridley’s film Alien, starring Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley, would go on to become what Bafta described as “one of the most influential science fiction films of all time”.
In 2018, Sir Ridley was honoured with a Bafta Fellowship.
