The Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep is preparing to walk the red carpet tonight (January 4th, 2012) for the highly-anticipated London premiere of The Iron Lady, in which she portrays the notorious former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Streep is considered amongst film critics to be in with a good chance of earning herself another Best Actress Oscar with her performance in the film, which is directed by Mamma Mia's Phyllida Law.
The premiere will be held at the Bfi on London's Southbank and also walking the red carpet will be Streep's co-stars, Jim Broadbent, Richard E Grant and Olivia Colman. The Iron Lady switches between scenes depicting Thatcher in her hey-day as the country's political leader and in her more fragile state in the current day. The critical response to the film has been mixed so far. Although Streep's performance has generally been highly praised, supporters of Lady Thatcher have responded negatively to the film's portrayal of its central character. Thatcher's former advisor, Bernard Ingham reportedly has "serious reservations" about the film.
Nonetheless, Streep is due to be honoured at the upcoming Berlin Film Festival next month, where the festival's organisers plan to award her with the Honorary Golden Bear. The award is intended to acknowledge her life's work in the film industry. Streep has already won two Oscars, for her roles in Kramer vs. Kramer and Sophie's Choice. She is hotly tipped to win a third for her performance in The Iron Lady.