Back to Black star Marisa Abela has opened up about the fierce backlash the Amy Winehouse biopic received.

Released last year and directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, the film stars Marisa, 28, as the Valerie singer charting her rise to fame while writing her acclaimed Back to Black album.

The biopic also explored Amy’s turbulent relationship with her husband Blake Fielder-Civil before her tragic death in 2011.

Back to Black fans criticised the film at the time of its release, with many deeming it ‘disrespectful’ to the artist.

Fans were annoyed the film didn’t use Winehouse’s vocals for the musical performances, and instead had Marisa belt out the singer’s iconic tunes.

Despite the uproar at the time of Back to Black’s release, Abela received a breakout award at Newport Beach Film Festival’s UK and Ireland Honors event at Raffles London last night for her role in the biopic.

The film told the story of the iconic musician recording her Back to Black album (Picture: AP)

Many fans slammed Back to Black as disrespectful to Winehouse, who died in 2011 (Picture: REUTERS)

Abela’s vocals were used in the film rather than Winehouse’s (Picture: Getty)
Speaking to Metro at the event, Marisa said how ‘proud’ she is of the work put into Back to Black and the recognition it has received.

‘It’s kind of amazing because I’m surrounded by people at the moment in movies that it feels like are coming out right now, [whereas] it feels like I’m sort of reflecting on Back to Black,’ she said.

Abela continued: ‘I’m proud of the work that I put into that movie and it’s incredibly nice that it’s been recognised like this.’

She went on to reflect on the ‘biggest thing’ she has taken away from Back to Black: focusing on what she can control in life.

‘I think the biggest thing I’ve taken away from it is the only thing that you yourself can control is how much work you put into a thing,’ the Industry star said.

‘Everything else is like someone else’s business. The only thing I can control is my dedication and my sensitivity and the way in which I approach the role – and, in a way, that’s the thing I’m proudest of: the thing that you can control, control it.’

The actor received an award at the Newport Beach Film Festival’s UK and Ireland Honors for her performance (Picture: AP)

The Rogue Agent star has shared how ‘proud’ she is of the biopic (Picture: Focus Features/Everett/REX/Shutterstock)

She also opened up about what the expect from her character in Steven Soderbergh thriller Black Bag (Picture: Jim Ruymen/UPI/REX/Shutterstock)
The Rogue Agent actor also teased her upcoming role in Black Bag, the latest thriller from Presence director Steven Soderbergh.

Set to be released this year, Black Bag follows George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender) who, when his wife Kathryn (Cate Blanchett) is suspected of betraying the nation, has his loyalty to both his marriage and his country tested.

The film also stars Pierce Brosnan, Naomie Harris, and Bond hopeful Regé-Jean Page alongside Abela, who shared some information about her character.

‘She’s a lot of fun. She’s is very spicy and very smart and, yeah, a lot of fun,’ she said.