Actress Helen Mirren and Kylie Minogue is among eight women honored with their own ‘Barbie’ figures ahead of International Women’s Day.

The 78-year-old star of the films “The Queen, Elizabeth I”, “Gosford Park”, “Calendar Girls” and the narrator of the film “Barbie” was chosen by Mattel as the “British model” for the well-known doll.

She said the news shocked her. “It’s something very special and something I can add to my list of favorite achievements – to have an Oscar, to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and to have my own Barbie,” she said.

The one-of-a-kind doll represents the outfit Dame Helen wore to Cannes last year: a blue dress by Del Core and jewels by Bulgari and holding a fan.

The doll also holds a miniature Oscar statuette, in recognition of the actress’ 2007 Best Actress Oscar win for The Queen. “I love that Barbie is wearing one of my favorite red carpet looks,” she added.

Helen Mirren

On the 65th anniversary of ‘Barbie’, Mirren is among eight women being recognized for shaping the future through their inspiring stories.

The other women are Australian singer Kylie Minogue, Canadian singer Shania Twain, German comedian and activist Enissa Amani, Mexican director, producer and screenwriter Lila Aviles, American artist, activist, writer and producer Viola Davis, model Nicole Fujita from Japan and content creator from the Tatuyo Amazonas indigenous community, Maira Gomez.

Kylie Minogue

Krista Berger, vice president and global head of Barbie, said: “Barbie and the dolls will be the first to be introduced. Barbie’s story was never just about her.
It’s about the countless young girls she inspired.”