**Samantha Morton: Bafta-Winning Actress Honoured at Windsor Castle Speaks Out on the Care System**

Bafta-winning actress Samantha Morton has spoken candidly about the British care system, describing it as “not fit for purpose.” Honoured at Windsor Castle with an OBE for services to drama and charity, Morton, 48, reflected on her personal journey and the challenges faced by children in care.

Morton is known for her compelling roles in productions such as *Longford* and *The Serpent Queen*. She also directed and co-wrote the TV drama *The Unloved*, which draws from her own first-hand experience within the British care system. The film won the Best Single Drama award at the Bafta TV Awards in 2010.

### Speaking Out on the Care System

Addressing the shortcomings of the care system, Morton said:
*“The care system isn’t fit for purpose. It’s been privatised, and unfortunately, there are a lot of unregulated children’s homes operating up and down the country. We have a lot of suicides—young people killing themselves in the care system. It was always that way, but it’s now reaching proportions that are totally unacceptable. We’ve got a real problem.”*

When asked what message she would give to children currently in the care system, Morton offered words of hope:
*“Anything is possible. I really believe that, but I was lucky because I had a really good teacher at school who saw potential in me. It’s for young people who are suffering, or even if you’re not in care but going through hard times, to know that education really is your way out of anything.”*

She emphasized the importance of education in opening up new worlds and opportunities:
*“Because the minute you educate yourself, you just see other worlds and opportunities. It doesn’t always have to be financial; it’s about freeing the mind as well.”*

### Advice for Aspiring Young Actors

Morton also shared advice for young actors hoping to follow in her footsteps:
*“I would say, watch as many British films and television shows as you can. The BBC has an amazing archive of arts and culture. We tend to focus on globalisation in the arts, which is fine, but often we don’t feel represented.”*

She encouraged nurturing British film and television, noting:
*“Many British filmmakers make American films, but they’re British filmmakers. Pay attention to how they direct, what they do differently from filmmakers in America, Russia, or Poland. It’s very different.”*

Due to the expense of theatre and cinema, Morton highlighted streaming services as the main source of entertainment for many young people but urged them to seek out quality content, including National Theatre Live performances available online.

### Honoured at Windsor Castle

After receiving her OBE from the Prince of Wales, Morton said she felt “very emotional” and expressed her pride and gratitude:
*“I feel very emotional. I’m very proud, very grateful and honoured to be here today.”*

She described the ceremony as “a bit of a blur,” admitting she was more focused on not saying the wrong thing. Reflecting on an earlier royal experience, she recounted a humorous story:
*“Years ago, when I was lucky enough to be invited to Buckingham Palace, I left my shoes on the Tube and had to wear flip-flops to meet the late Queen. I was mortified.”*

Morton praised the royal family’s work, particularly that of Prince William, saying:
*“What they do is incredible. He was very gracious in congratulating me, and I also wanted to thank him for what he does, which I think I remembered to do.”*

### Career Highlights

Morton’s acting career took off with TV roles in *Soldier Soldier* and *Boon* in 1991. She went on to star in period dramas such as *Emma* (1996) and *Jane Eyre* (1997). Her international acclaim grew with her performance in Carine Adler’s indie film *Under the Skin* (1998), earning her a British Independent Film Award (Bifa) nomination for Best Actress.

In 2002, she won the Best Actress Bifa for the psychological drama *Morvern Callar* and was later honoured with the Richard Harris Award in 2022 for outstanding contribution to British film.

Morton has earned two Academy Award nominations: one in 2000 for playing Hattie in *Sweet and Lowdown* and another in 2004 for *In America*. She won a Golden Globe in 2008 for portraying child murderer Myra Hindley in the TV movie *Longford*.

Her diverse film credits include starring alongside Tom Cruise in the 2002 sci-fi action film *Minority Report* and playing Mary Lou in *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them* (2016).

Last year, Morton received the Bafta Fellowship—the Academy’s highest accolade—and dedicated the award to children in care.

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Samantha Morton’s candid reflections offer both a critique of the care system and an inspiring message of hope grounded in education and opportunity. Her accomplished career continues to shine a light on important social issues through her art and advocacy.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/entertainment/samantha-morton-says-care-system-not-fit-for-purpose-as-she-is-made-obe-1813000.html