Daniel Day-Lewis made a rare public appearance on Thursday, years after announcing his retirement from Hollywood.
The There Will Be Blood actor made the decision to , with Phantom Thread becoming his final film, and has remained firmly private about his life ever since.
However, the 66-year-old couldn’t help but to honor director , at the National Board of Review Awards in .
He was seated beside his pal throughout the night, at Cipriani 42nd Street, and was met with huge applause as he appeared on stage to present the Killers of the Flower Moon filmmaker with the best director award.
‘I was a teenager when I discovered Martin’s work,’ Daniel told the crowd, via . ‘With a light of his own making he illuminated unknown worlds that pulsed with a dangerous, irresistible energy – worlds that were mysterious to me and utterly enthralling.
‘He illuminated the vast beautiful landscape of what is possible in film.
‘One of the greatest joys and most unexpected privileges of my life was to find myself one day working with him. I’m grateful to the National Board of Review for so Dir recognizing the supreme, inimitable artistry of this man.
‘To every person who works in the crucible of the imagination, he is a living treasure as a man and as a filmmaker I love and revere.’
Martin, who directed Daniel in 1993’s The Age of Innocence and 2002 flick Gangs of New York, couldn’t help but return the compliment when he spoke in front of the star-studded crowd.
‘Thank you, Daniel. To receive this honor presented by Daniel is just an honor in itself,’ he added. ‘We did two films together and it’s one of the greatest experiences of my life, I must say.
‘Maybe there’s time for one more. Maybe! He’s the best.’
Daniel’s glittering career spanned four decades and saw him showered with awards – including a whopping three best actor Oscars for My Left Foot, There Will Be Blood and Lincoln.
He also claimed Baftas, Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild awards and countless others over the years.
In 2017, Daniel’s reps confirmed that he had made a ‘private decision’ to turn his back on Hollywood – his last screen role was as, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.
A statement read at the time: ‘Daniel Day-Lewis will no longer be working as an actor. He is immensely grateful to all of his collaborators and audiences over the many years.
‘This is a private decision and neither he nor his representatives will make any further comment on this subject.’
He has not spoken about his reason, and .
