Washington (US), January 11: Warwick Davis, the renowned actor celebrated for his roles in Harry Potter and Star Wars, will be honored with the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship at the upcoming EE BAFTA Film Awards, scheduled for February 16, 2025.
The BAFTA Fellowship is the highest honor awarded by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), recognizing individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the film, television, or gaming industries.
Davis, best known for portraying Professor Filius Flitwick in the Harry Potter series and Wicket the Ewok in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983), will be recognized for his profound impact both on and off the screen. His extensive career includes involvement in some of the most iconic film franchises, making him a beloved figure worldwide.
BAFTA shared the announcement on Instagram, stating, “We’re excited to announce that British actor, comedian, presenter, and producer Warwick Davis is to be awarded the BAFTA Fellowship at the EE BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday, 16 February 2025. The BAFTA Fellowship recognizes those who have made an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, games, or television and is our highest accolade.”
In response, Davis expressed his gratitude for the honor and underscored the importance of inclusivity in the entertainment industry. “I accept this Fellowship in honour of everyone living with dwarfism or any form of difference, reminding us that our uniqueness can be our greatest asset,” he said. He also praised the contributions of the hardworking teams behind the scenes, from makeup artists to camera crews, who bring productions to life.
Davis’s career spans decades, and despite being diagnosed with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare form of dwarfism, he has become a trailblazer in the industry. He founded Willow Management, an agency representing actors under five feet tall, and co-founded Little People UK, a charity supporting individuals with dwarfism. His Reduced Height Theatre Company further supports actors who don’t fit traditional casting molds.
Beyond his roles in Harry Potter and Star Wars, Davis has appeared in Ron Howard’s Willow (1988) and the British TV series Life’s Too Short (2011-2013), co-created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.
Sara Putt, BAFTA Chair, expressed her excitement about honoring Davis with the Fellowship, describing him as “a talented, much-loved, and truly inspiring figure” who has captivated audiences internationally. “We are thrilled to celebrate his exceptional body of work and achievements at the EE BAFTA Film Awards next month,” Putt added.
Davis joins a distinguished group of past BAFTA Fellows, including legendary filmmakers such as Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, and Martin Scorsese, as well as iconic actors like Judi Dench, Sean Connery, and Elizabeth Taylor.