Plus, her reaction to learning about a Bridgerton musical, all on EW’s The Awardist podcast.
When you’re interviewingJulie Andrews, there’s not much point in starting at the very beginning.
For one thing, she’s been giving interviews the majority of her life.
Michael Kovac/Getty Images; Everett Collection (2)
Her longtime friendCarol Burnettalso presented her with the award.
“Oh gosh, that took a lot of courage, believe me,” she remembers.
“I wasn’t sure whether to do it.
And look where that led me.
So it was quite genuine as well as being a very slight dig.”
“But there was that awful moment of silence and then the audience burst into laughter.
And so it was fine.
Andrews says she’d absolutely do it again if presented with a do-over.
But she had a particularly special connection withJames Garner, with whom she made three films.
OnThe Americanization of Emily,she recounts filming a particularly romantic scene that had a strong effect on her.
“We spent most of the afternoon shooting it.
It was very early in my career.
And I thought, ‘Oh, I must be sure to handle this properly.’
And I was fine.
Because it was deliciously sweet.”
“I thought I was being so casual and professional,” she adds.
“Then I tried to stand up, and my legs just gave out.”
“And he said, ‘You don’t?
You’re a lady, and when you get into close-up you should know what lens is on you.
Come with me.’
But it wasn’t only her work in the 1960s that enshrined Andrews in film history.
“It’s been a growing and learning experience.
Every character one does, it’s something different.
That is fascinating to find your way to it and through it.
[But] it was pure chance.
Certain offers came along, and I was available and it felt interesting.
With that world opened up to her, Andrews shows no sign of slowing down.
For more from the screen icon, listen to our full very special Awardist episode below.
