Donna Langley Recognized at BAFTA Film Awards, Shares Insights on Change and Disruption
Dame Donna Langley, chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment, has been honored with BAFTA’s highest accolade. The award was presented during the BAFTA Film Awards held in London.
Langley, recognized as the first British woman to lead a major Hollywood studio, received the Fellowship prize from Prince William, who praised her “tireless” dedication to British storytelling and her support for films that have “shaped culture.”
In her acceptance speech, Langley remarked, “We are facing moments of change and disruption today. 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.”
Langley further emphasized the active role the industry must play in shaping its future, stating, “As we move forward, let’s remember the future of this business is not something that happens to us. 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.”
Watch on Deadline
She reflected on her career, saying, “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.”
The ceremony featured a video reel showcasing prominent filmmakers with whom Langley has collaborated.
Steven Spielberg commended Langley, describing her as a peacemaker and dealmaker who advocates for creative rights. He noted her commitment to ensuring that films resonate with audiences, stating, “Donna believes that movies and audiences belong in movie theatres…Her patience is kind of like the bonding agent. It makes us all feel like, in a way, she’s our security blanket.”
Christopher Nolan also lauded Langley, asserting, “It’s hard to think of a more deserving recipient of a BAFTA Fellowship than Dame Donna Langley. She’s been leading Universal with a very unique blend of filmmaker-friendly creative insights with true leadership that commands respect.”
BAFTA acknowledged Langley for her “transformative leadership in the face of rapid change and disruption” at NBCUniversal, highlighting her contributions to films such as Oppenheimer, Bridget Jones, and Straight Outta Compton.
The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards were held at the Royal Festival Hall in London’s Southbank Centre, with Alan Cumming hosting the ceremony for the first time. A complete list of winners is available.
Previous BAFTA fellows include notable figures such as Dame Helen Mirren, Sidney Poitier, Mel Brooks, Sir Ridley Scott, Thelma Schoonmaker, Kathleen Kennedy, and Ang Lee. The most recent recipient of the BAFTA Fellowship prior to Langley was Warwick Davis last year at the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards.
