Isle of Wight-born Dame Donna Langley is to receive BAFTA’s highest honour, the BAFTA Fellowship, at the EE BAFTA Film Awards.
BAFTA has confirmed that Dame Donna, Chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment, will be recognised for her outstanding contribution to film and television. The BAFTA Fellowship is the Academy’s most prestigious accolade.
Born and raised on the Isle of Wight, Dame Donna is the first British woman to run a major Hollywood studio. More than 30 years after moving to Los Angeles without industry contacts, she now oversees creative strategy, production, acquisitions, marketing and distribution across NBCUniversal’s entertainment portfolio.
The Fellowship recognises her leadership during a period of rapid industry change, her commitment to inclusion and talent development, and her long-standing relationships with creative partners across film and television.
Dame Donna Langley has said:
“It is an incredible honour to be chosen as this year’s recipient of the BAFTA Fellowship.
“As a Brit, to be recognised by my home country, by my peers and fellow colleagues in the industry, is an absolute privilege. I wouldn’t be receiving this award without the indelible vision of the creative partners who have defined my career. BAFTA remains the gold standard of excellence in the U.K. for film and television, and I take great pride in working with so many local artists who are shaping the future of this business. I feel lucky every day to be part of this community.”
Sara Putt, BAFTA Chair, has said:
“The first British woman to lead a major Hollywood studio, Dame Donna Langley’s cultural impact has been exceptional.
“BAFTA is honoured to celebrate Donna’s transformative studio leadership, and strength of her creative relationships, including the many now-iconic films she has brought to audiences around the world. We are immensely looking forward to presenting her with the BAFTA Fellowship on 22nd February.”
Throughout her career, Dame Donna has championed both established and emerging filmmakers, backing titles including Straight Outta Compton, Bridesmaids, Get Out, The Holdovers and Oppenheimer, as well as major franchises such as Fast and Furious, Jurassic World, Bridget Jones, Mamma Mia and Despicable Me.
Most recently, Wicked became the highest-grossing film musical of all time, further underlining her influence within the global entertainment industry.
In 2020, Dame Donna was appointed Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s New Year Honours in recognition of her services to the film and television industries and her global impact.
She has also been a longstanding advocate for widening access to careers in the screen arts and has served on the board of Vital Voices since 2013.
The awards event will take place on Sunday 22nd February.
It would be interesting to know where she lived on the Island and if she went to school locally.