Warwick Davis: Harry Potter actor to receive Bafta Fellowship

British actor and television presenter Warwick Davis will receive this year's British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) Fellowship, the academy's highest honor. The Surrey-born actor, known for his roles in the "Harry Potter" and "Star Wars" film series, has also hosted the ITV game show "Tenable" since 2016.

In a statement, Davis said receiving the Fellowship was an "incredible honor" and thanked Bafta for "believing in my journey." He stated, "I accept this Fellowship in celebration of all people with dwarfism or any form of difference, reminding us that our uniqueness can be our greatest asset." Davis, 54, has congenital spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, a rare form of dwarfism.

Throughout his career, he has been an advocate for a more inclusive screen industry and is the founder of Willow Management, an agency dedicated to representing actors under five feet or over seven feet tall. Davis commented, "For me, the Fellowship embodies the inclusivity, creativity, and collaboration that Bafta represents. This recognition is not just about the work I have contributed but also about those who have supported me and the audiences that have made this journey worthwhile."

He continued, "I would also like to thank the wonderful colleagues and friends behind the scenes – the costume designers, makeup artists, camera crews – who quietly and tirelessly pour their hearts into every production. I look forward to continuing to champion new perspectives, fight for better representation, and inspire the next generation of storytellers to dream big." The Fellowship is intended to recognize industry figures who have made outstanding contributions to film, television, or games. Previous recipients include Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Vanessa Redgrave, Martin Scorsese, Sidney Poitier, and Dame Helen Mirren.

Davis described the Fellowship as an "incredible honor." His career began at age 11 with his role as the Ewok Wicket in 1983's "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi." In the decades that followed, he continued to appear in the franchise, most recently in 2019's "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker." His other film credits include "Willow," "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," and the "Leprechaun" horror-comedy series. Davis is perhaps best known for his role as Professor Filius Flitwick in the "Harry Potter" film series, which he starred in from 2001 to 2011. He also starred in the BBC sitcom "Life's Too Short," which he co-created with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.

Bafta chairwoman Sara Putt described Davis as "a hugely talented, much-loved and truly inspirational figure who has entertained audiences for decades." Last year, Davis's wife, Samantha, passed away at the age of 53. She was the co-founder of the dwarfism charity Little People UK. Davis called her his "favorite person" and stated that "her passing has left a huge hole in our family life." An inquest into her death was scheduled to begin this week but has been postponed to a later date. The Bafta nominations will be announced on Wednesday, January 15, with "All of Us Strangers," "Emilia Perez," "Anora," and "The Beast" expected to make the shortlist.