By Mal Butler
Some of the biggest names in the film industry paid tribute to Dame Donna Langley, who was presented with the Bafta Fellowship award in London last Sunday – the academy’s highest lifetime achievement honour.
Dame Donna, who grew up on the Island and attended Lake Middle School and Carisbrooke High School, was seated alongside Catherine, Princess of Wales, during the 79th British Academy Film at Royal Festival Hall.
She was introduced by Prince William, who said: “Her determination and commitment have driven her to become one of the most influential and respected figures in the entertainment industry.
“She was the first British woman to run a major Hollywood studio, and is now chair of NBC Universal Entertainment.
“The transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to creative partnership have brought some of this century’s most iconic films to the big screen, and to audiences around the world.
“Dame Donna has also been a tireless advocate for British talent abroad, ensuring our storytellers, our performers, and our creators are seen, supported, and celebrated on the world stage.”
Dame Donna, who left for Los Angeles in her early 20’s, said: “In many ways, I saw myself as the girl least likely to succeed, not from self-doubt, but from a keen awareness that I was different.
“But my parents taught me early on to see differences as a strength and not a weakness. And that is the wonderful thing about this industry. It’s the perfect place for anyone who feels a little bit different.
“Tonight, I am very grateful to every person who opened a door, a gate, or invited me in during those early days.
“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 doors we remember to open, the voices we encourage, and the talent we protect long enough for them to find their feet.
“Because someone once did the same for us, even when, and maybe especially because, we were different.
“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, to see each other a little more clearly, and remind us that decency is a superpower.
“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 and be resilient and make room for new voices.
“I dedicate this award to every single one of the visionaries in this room tonight, radiant in your differences, and to all of you, I want to say, I can’t wait to see what you do next.”
Among those paying tribute were Tom Cruise, Steven Spielberg, and Dame Emma Thompson, who said: “No one could deserve it more.
“You wield your extraordinary power with dignity, grace, wisdom and taste. I love you and aspire to be you.”
Isle of Wight Observer