The NBCU Entertainment chair and the first British woman to run a major Hollywood studio received the BAFTA Fellowship, the British Academy's highest honor, in London on Sunday.
Dame Donna Langley accepts the Fellowship Award on stage during the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2026 at The Royal Festival Hall on Feb. 22, 2026, in London, England.Entertainment and the first British woman to run a major Hollywood studio.
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,“We are … facing moments of change and disruption today,” Langley said. “And my hope is 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.”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.” Langley ended with a call to action. “As we move forward, let’s remember the future of this business is not something that happens to us,” she emphasized. “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.” Prince William introduced Langley, lauding, among other things, her “determination and commitment,” and her “strong commitment to inclusion and mentorship.” In a video reel showing collaborators praising Langley, Steven Spielberg said: “Donna is a peacemaker and she’s a dealmaker, a creative rights advocate, and she’s always on the forward fringe of new business, new technology, new ideas.” He added: “Donna believes that movies and audiences belong in movie theaters, and she’s an advocate of that… to make movies , as Gloria Swanson said inConcluded Spielberg: “Her patience is kind of like the bonding agent. It makes us all feel like, in a way, she’s our security blanket.”said in the reel: “It’s hard to think of a more deserving recipient of a BAFTA Fellowship than Dame. She’s been leading Universal with a very unique blend of filmmaker-friendly creative insights with true leadership that commands respect.” His conclusion: “Donna has a grasp of all the different aspects of the filmmaking process but never loses sight of the audience. is so inspiring to work for and collaborate with.”producer Judy Craymer lauded Langley as “a titan,” adding: “She’s an outlier. She’s already created an incredible legacy.” Working Title Films chairs and producers Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner also feted Langley via the reel. “You have somebody at the very center of the motion picture business who really understands our culture, so that when you take a British idea or a British subject to her, she will understand it,” Bevan highlighted. Added Fellner: “Once she believes in what you’re trying to do, she’s 100 percent behind you.” Sara Putt, BAFTA chair, previously lauded Langley for her distinguished career. “The first British woman to lead a major Hollywood studio, Dame Donna Langley’s cultural impact has been exceptional,” she said in unveiling the honor. “BAFTA is honored 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.” 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 asbecoming the highest-grossing film musical of all time, Langley has underscored her ability to translate creative ambition into landmark cultural and commercial success.” , helping bring dynamic stories to life for audiences everywhere. Throughout her career, Langley has maintained a strong commitment to, and investment in, British filmmaking.”Box Office: ‘GOAT’ Struts to No. 1 Stateside With $17M, ‘Wuthering Heights’ Earns $14M for Sexy Global Haul of $152MEx-Sony CEO Calls ‘The Interview’ His Biggest Career Mistake, Says Obama Asked Him “What Were You Thinking?” After Cyber HackEx-Sony CEO Calls ‘The Interview’ His Biggest Career Mistake, Says Obama Asked Him “What Were You Thinking?” After Cyber HackThe Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2026 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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