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The star-studded BAFTA Film Awards 2026 ceremony in London also put a spotlight on Donna Langley, chair of NBCUniversal Entertainment and the first British woman to run a major Hollywood studio, as she recieved the British Academy's highest honour, the BAFTA Fellowship on Sunday.
The top executive, born and raised on the Isle of Wight in the U.K., took to the stage to receive the British Academy's highest honor, the BAFTA Fellowship, to a standing ovation before highlighting cinema's power to bring people together. "We are ... facing moments of change and disruption today, and I hope that those of us who help tell stories for a living continue to find inspiration to make popular art that carries over into people's everyday lives that helps us understand the world a bit better and to see each other a little more clearly and reminds us that decency is a superpower," said Langley as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter. Langley also shared that her parents helped her "see differences as a strength and not a weakness." She continued, "As my career has progressed, I've come to believe that the most meaningful part of what we do is the people we choose to support along the way. The voices we encourage. And the talent we protect... long enough for them to find their feet. And the doors we remember to open." "As we move forward, let's remember the future of this business is not something that happens to us," she emphasised. "It's something we shape... by the risks we take and the people we back. So, let us continue to adapt, be resilient and make room for new voices," added Langley as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter. Prince William introduced Langley, lauding, among other things, her "determination and commitment," and her "strong commitment to inclusion and mentorship," as per the outlet. In unveiling details about the latest BAFTA Fellowship, BAFTA said Langley "has consistently served as an advocate for acclaimed and emerging filmmakers and showrunners, resulting in a diverse and enduring slate for NBCUniversal. As a trusted partner to the creative community, she has championed films that have shaped culture, such as Straight Outta Compton, Bridesmaids, Get Out, The Holdovers, and BAFTA's best film winner Oppenheimer, among many others. All while bolstering beloved franchises - including Fast & Furious, Jurassic World, Bridget Jones, Mamma Mia, and the highest-grossing animated franchise of all time, Despicable Me. Most recently, with Wicked becoming the highest-grossing film musical of all time, Langley has underscored her ability to translate creative ambition into landmark cultural and commercial success," as per The Hollywood Reporter. "She also continues to champion bold, creator-driven shows such as All Her Fault and The Day of the Jackal, helping bring dynamic stories to life for audiences everywhere. Throughout her career, Langley has maintained a strong commitment to and investment in British filmmaking," added BAFTA. The BAFTA Awards, hosted by Scottish star Alan Cumming, took place at London's Royal Festival Hall on Sunday evening. (ANI)
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