This talented gal has been nominated for an Oscar eight times, which makes it hard to select her best role. “Shakespeare in Love?” “Chocolat?” Maybe “Iris” or “Philomena?” Tough choices.

Of course, it’s not her acting we love. It’s her presence as a form of wisdom. She’s the perfect alchemy of a modern elder: gravitas and levity, angry and serene, curious and wise, exacting and easy-going. She knows just what the moment needs. She’s a mixologist of emotions.

She also has an important new film premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival this month called “Allelujah,” which is a warm and deeply moving story about old age.

I’ll leave you with some lovely words from Donna Ashmore that echo the life lived by Judi Dench:

"Don’t prioritize your looks my friend, as they won’t last the journey.
Your sense of humor though, will only get better with age.
Your intuition will grow and expand like a majestic cloak of wisdom.
Your ability to choose your battles will be fine-tuned to perfection.
Your capacity for stillness, for living in the moment, will blossom.
Your desire to live each and every moment will transcend all other wants.
Your instinct for knowing what (and who) is worth your time, will grow and flourish like ivy on a castle wall.
Don’t prioritize your looks my friend, they will change forever more, that pursuit is one of much sadness and disappointment.
Prioritize the uniqueness that makes you you, and the invisible magnet that draws in other like-minded souls to dance in your orbit.
These are the things which will only get better."