The comedian and actor, Sir Billy Connolly will receive the 2022 BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Award) Fellowship Award at the Virgin Media BAFTA Awards on May 8th to recognise his “outstanding and exceptional contribution” in film and TV.
Sir Billy, is no stranger to gaining recognition for his talents, receiving a knighthood in 2017 for “services to entertainment and charity” and having previously won BAFTA’s across various categories in 1995, 2002 and 2012. Famous individuals who have received a BAFTA Fellowship Award in the past include Dame Joanna Lumley and Sir Bruce Forsyth.
Commenting on the announcement, Connolly admitted that “I had no idea the Fellowship existed, but I’m told it’s a big deal!”
Connolly added that he was “deeply honoured” to receive the award and “It’s lovely to be recognised and to become a jolly good fellow.”
Emma Baehr, executive director of awards and content at Bafta, said: “We’re honoured to be awarding Sir Billy Connolly with the 2022 Bafta Fellowship Award.
“He has made a remarkable contribution to our industry from his first appearance on Parkinson in 1975, through to becoming a national treasure on stage and screen, adored by fans around the world.
You can watch the BAFTA awards on May 8th on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer
Feature image credit: University of Strathclyde
