Meryl Streep wins first BAFTA Award in 30 years!

The last time Meryl Streep’s name was announced as the winner at a BAFTA Awards ceremony was way back in 1982 for The French Lieutenant’s Woman.

After that, it was nine nominations and nine losses in addition to three nominations pre-1982.

So going into Sunday’s BAFTA Award ceremony in London, Miss Streep’s record was one win, 12 losses.

But she finally got her second win when her name was announced by Colin Firth as winner of the best actress award for her performance as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady.

She beat Michelle Williams (My Week With Marilyn), Viola Davis (The Help), Berenice Bejo (The Artist) and Tilda Swinton (We Need To Talk About Kevin).

Streep appeared surprised and relieved when her name was called. She dashed up the stairs to the stage and lost her shoe at the top step. Streep continued up to the podium, wobbling a bit, and a quick-thinking Firth dashed over, retrieved the shoe, and placed in on Miss Streep’s foot.

“That couldn’t be worse,” an embarrassed and breathless Streep said as she began her speech.

“I’m very proud of the film,” she said after thanking her director, co-stars and others connected to the film.”Thank you very, very much. I’m so grateful. So grateful.”

It remains to be seen if this long-awaited second BAFTA win will result in a long-awaited Oscar win for Streep next month. It has been 29 years since she last won the Oscar – for Sophie’s Choice in 1983. She has since lost 12 straight times. Her Oscar competition is Davis, Williams, Glenn Close (Albert Hobbs) and Rooney Mara (Girl With the Diamond Tattoo).