Warwick Davis to Receive BAFTA Fellowship

Warwick Davis, renowned for his roles in the Harry Potter and Star Wars franchises, will be awarded the BAFTA Fellowship at this year’s film awards.

Recognizing Exceptional Contributions

The BAFTA Fellowship honors individuals who have made an “outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, games, or television,” representing the highest accolade from the arts charity. Davis will accept this prestigious award on Sunday, February 16, during the EE BAFTA Film Awards.

A Celebrated Career

Hailing from Surrey, England, Davis is celebrated for his performances in iconic film franchises, including his portrayal of Professor Filius Flitwick in the Harry Potter series and Wicket the Ewok in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983), a role personally chosen by George Lucas. He continued to appear in the Star Wars saga, culminating in The Rise of Skywalker (2019).

Championing Inclusivity in the Industry

Diagnosed at birth with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare form of dwarfism, Davis is being recognized by BAFTA for his efforts to foster a more inclusive film industry. He founded Willow Management, the world’s largest agency representing actors under five feet and over seven feet tall.

Additionally, he co-founded Little People U.K., a charity providing friendship, financial support, and guidance to individuals with dwarfism and their families. His Reduced Height Theatre Company also advocates for actors under five feet tall.

Notable Works Beyond Franchises

In addition to his franchise roles, Davis starred in Ron Howard’s fantasy adventure film Willow (1988) and the British television series Life’s Too Short (2011-2013), co-created with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.

Davis’s Reflection on the Honor

Davis expressed his gratitude, stating, “The Fellowship embodies the spirit of inclusivity, creativity, and collaboration that BAFTA represents. This recognition reflects not only my work but also the support from those around me and the audiences who have made this journey meaningful.”

He further emphasized, “I accept this Fellowship in honor of everyone living with dwarfism or any form of difference, reminding us that our uniqueness can be our greatest asset. I also want to acknowledge the incredible colleagues behind the scenes who contribute tirelessly to every production. Thank you for this incredible honor. I look forward to advocating for better representation and inspiring the next generation of storytellers.”

BAFTA’s Praise for Davis

BAFTA Chair Sara Putt remarked, “We are thrilled to present Warwick Davis with the BAFTA Fellowship, our highest honor. He is a talented and beloved figure who has captivated audiences for decades. His immense creativity and passion for storytelling have earned him deep respect from peers both in the UK and globally. We are excited to celebrate his remarkable achievements at the EE BAFTA Film Awards next month.”

Previous BAFTA Fellows

Notable past BAFTA Fellows include legendary figures such as Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, Sean Connery, Elizabeth Taylor, Stanley Kubrick, Anthony Hopkins, and many others who have made significant contributions to the film industry.

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Warwick Davis, George Lucas, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, Sara Putt, Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, Sean Connery, Elizabeth Taylor, Stanley Kubrick, Anthony Hopkins, Laurence Olivier, Judi Dench, Vanessa Redgrave

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