Julie Andrews received the AFI Life Achievement Award in Los Angeles, and the evening slipped into something warmer than a ceremony. Five of her former screen children walked onstage. The now old von Trapp children began singing the iconic “Do Re Mi” from The Sound of Music. Andrews, now smiling ear to ear, joined the chorus as the whole room began carrying the tune.
Nicholas Hammond, who played Friedrich, Angela Cartwright (Brigitta), Debbie Turner (Marta), Duane Chase Kurt), and Kym Karath (Gretl), now mostly in their 60s and 70s, took the room back in time to the hills above Salzbur.
The performance also paid homage to history with care. Some faces could not be there. Christopher Plummer had died the year before. Charmian Carr and Heather Menzies-Urich were gone as well. The absence gave the singing a gentle hush at the edges.
This touching tribute took place at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, home to the Academy Awards, American Idol Finales, and even Iris, Cirque du Soleil’s tribute to the history of Cinema. Carol Burnett, a Hollywood legend in her own right ( the first woman to host a comedy-variety series!), presented the Life Achievement Award.
Upon receiving hte award, Andrew said:
“This night reminds me with great clarity how many people are involved with making movies. What a huge collaborative effort it takes to bring film to the screen.”
A long list of friends and colleagues added salutes, with taped nods from across film and stage. A broadcast followed on TNT, extending the moment from Hollywood Boulevard to couches across the country.
Andrews’ portrayal of Maria Von Trapp, the feisty nun turned governess to the von Trapp children, won the hearts of Americans. Even decades later, the 1965 musical drama is a beloved classic. It won the Oscar for best picture, and earned Andrews an Academy Award nomination (which she lost out to Julie Christie), only a year after she won for her role in Mary Poppins.
You can watch the full performance below!