Lucy Liu honoured with Réalta Award in Belfast

Lucy Liu Honoured with Réalta Award in Belfast

Actress Lucy Liu received the Réalta Award at the Belfast Film Festival for her role in the new film Rosemead. The Charlie’s Angels star said she was deeply moved to accept the recognition in a city she described as “magical,” recalling her experience filming Old Guy in Belfast two years earlier.

“I was really touched to be honoured here,” she told the PA news agency. “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.”

Liu reflected on Northern Ireland’s vibrant past and its transformation, saying that “there’s a story behind everything.”

The Film: Rosemead

Rosemead, inspired by true events, tells the story of Irene Chao, an immigrant widow with terminal cancer, whose teenage son faces mental health struggles. Set in the Chinese American community of Rosemead, California, the film explores universal themes that reach beyond cultural boundaries.

“There’s still a lot of stigma around mental health in so many places around the world,” she said.

Liu expressed her shock upon discovering that the real-life incidents happened as recently as 2015, describing the tragedy as “preventable.”

“There was a lot of fear for this mother, and she loved her son so much,” Liu said. “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.”

Author’s Summary

Lucy Liu received the Réalta Award in Belfast for her moving performance in Rosemead, reflecting on the city’s spirit, mental health issues, and the enduring strength of compassion.

RTE.ie — 2025-11-04