Dame Donna Langley accepted BAFTA’s highest honor — the BAFTA Fellowship — at the 2026 Film Awards on 22 February, held at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Introduced by Prince William, Langley received a standing ovation and used her moment onstage to make a pointed case for mentorship, inclusion and protecting creative risk across the industry.
A personal yet strategic speech
Langley wove personal anecdotes into a broader industry manifesto. She credited her parents with teaching her that difference is a strength and described a career practice of “investing in creators until they find their voice.” More than a retrospective, her remarks were a call to action: studio leaders and executives should see stewardship of talent as part of their job, treating decency and support for newcomers as operational advantages, not mere moral postures.
Tributes and endorsements
A tribute reel brought filmmakers and producers to the podium with short tributes. Steven Spielberg called Langley a peacemaker and dealmaker who champions theatrical exhibition; Christopher Nolan praised her filmmaker-friendly instincts combined with decisive leadership. The endorsements underscored a recurring theme of the night: Langley’s blend of business savvy and creative protection.
What she’s backed — and why it matters
BAFTA highlighted Langley’s record at NBCUniversal, where she has supported both influential indies and global franchises. Under her stewardship the studio has been behind culturally resonant films such as Straight Outta Compton, Bridesmaids, Get Out, The Holdovers and Oppenheimer, while sustaining tentpoles like Fast & Furious and Jurassic World. BAFTA also pointed to her role in boosting British talent and productions, citing partnerships that helped local stories reach global audiences.
Industry reactions and possible ripples
Attendees greeted her speech with widespread approval. Producers and agents spoke warmly about mentorship and widening access; some executives signaled interest in policy discussions to strengthen development pipelines for diverse creators. Observers suggested her emphasis on theatrical exhibition and creative autonomy could influence studio release strategies and co-production negotiations, particularly in the U.K.
Why this matters now
Langley framed leadership choices as decisive for the medium’s future — not just which pictures get made, but who gets to make them. Her message landed as part moral argument, part practical blueprint: nurture emerging voices, protect creative risk, and prioritize people alongside projects. BAFTA and other industry bodies are expected to take up those themes in the weeks and months ahead.
The wider awards night
Hosted by Alan Cumming, the ceremony also honoured Clare Binns of PictureHouse Cinemas with BAFTA’s Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema. One Battle After Another led nominations with 14, while Sinners earned 13 nominations, including directing and screenplay recognition for Ryan Coogler.
In short
Dame Donna Langley’s Fellowship acceptance was equal parts recognition and rallying cry — a reminder that the business of film rests on creative stewardship as much as on box office, and that the industry’s future depends on who gets the chance to tell stories.