Congratulations to Warwick Davis as it’s announced that the Star Wars actor and TV presenter will receive this year’s BAFTA Fellowship, the British Academy’s highest honour, at this year’s EE BAFTA Film Awards on February 16th at the Royal Festival Hall.
The Surrey-born actor is known for appearing in the Harry Potter and Star Wars film series and has presented the ITV game show Tenable since 2016.
In a statement, Davis described the Fellowship as an “incredible honour” and thanked Bafta “for believing in my journey”.
“I accept this Fellowship in honour of everyone living with dwarfism or any form of difference, reminding us that our uniqueness can be our greatest asset,” he said.
Davis, 54, has spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare form of dwarfism.
Throughout his career, he has advocated for a more inclusive screen industry and is the founder of Willow Management, an agency dedicated representing actors under 5ft or over 7ft tall.
Davis said: “The Fellowship, to me, embodies the spirit of inclusivity, creativity, and collaboration that Bafta stands for.
“This recognition is not just about the body of work I’ve contributed but also about the people who’ve stood by me and the audiences who have made this journey worthwhile.”
He continued: “I also want to acknowledge the wonderful colleagues and friends who’ve worked behind the scenes – costumers, makeup artists, camera crews – who quietly and tirelessly pour their hearts into every production.
“I look forward to continuing to champion fresh perspectives, advocate for better representation, and inspire the next generation of storytellers to dream big.”
The Fellowship recognises industry figures who have made an outstanding contribution to film, television or games.
Bafta chair Sara Putt described Davis as a “talented, much loved and truly inspiring figure who has captivated audiences over many decades”.
The nominations for the EE BAFTA Film Awards will be announced on January 15th, with the ceremony taking place on February 16th.
Image: Zoe McConnell
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