Like that other great American journalist the Syrian crisis has claimed in recent days, Anthony Shadid of the New York Times, Marie - despite all the awards and accomplishments and recognition - remained modest and self-deprecating.
Anthony has won the conference's last two player of the week awards and seems likely to end LeBron James' season-long run as East player of the month, but only a title will get Anthony into his Olympic teammate's class.
The pair have both won Academy Awards before - Dame Helen nabbed a best actress Oscar in 2007 for The Queen, while Sir Anthony won best actor for his portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs in 1992.