Lucy Liu honoured with Réalta Award in Belfast

Lucy Liu Honoured with Réalta Award at Belfast Film Festival

Actress Lucy Liu received the Réalta Award at the Belfast Film Festival in recognition of her performance in the new film Rosemead. The Charlie's Angels star expressed deep gratitude for the honour, especially in a city she called "magical."

"I was really touched to be honoured here. 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."

Connection to Belfast and Its History

Liu recalled filming Old Guy in Belfast two years ago and was impressed by Northern Ireland's history and the city's remarkable transformation. She noted that "there’s a story behind everything" in Belfast.

About the Film Rosemead

Rosemead is based on a true story and centers on Irene Chao, an immigrant widow with terminal cancer, whose teenage son faces mental health struggles. The film is set in the Chinese American community of Rosemead, California.

Liu emphasized that the film’s themes extend beyond this community, highlighting the global stigma around mental health.

"There’s still a lot of stigma around mental health in so many places around the world."

She was surprised to discover that the events inspiring the film happened as recently as 2015, calling the tragedy "preventable."

"There was a lot of fear for this mother, and she loved her son so much. 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's recognition at Belfast Film Festival highlights her impactful role in Rosemead, a poignant story addressing mental health stigma and personal tragedy within an immigrant community.

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RTE.ie RTE.ie — 2025-11-04