BAFTA have announced the recipient of their prestigious Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at next month’s ceremony.
The British Academy of Film and Television announced on Thursday that the actor, producer and director will receive the gong at the 73rd EE British Academy Film Awards ceremony on Sunday 2 February in London.
One of BAFTA’s highest honours, the award is presented annually in honour of Michael Balcon, the British film producer known for his work with Ealing Studios.
Honour: BAFTA have announced the recipient of their prestigious Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at next month’s ceremony – Andy Serkis
Previous recipients include Ridley and Tony Scott, the Harry Potter series of films, and John Hurt.
Andy, 55, is being honoured for his huge contribution to cinema, both as an actor and immense behind the scenes work as a pioneer in digital technology.
BAFTA said in a statement on Thursday: ‘Through the creation of such characters as Gollum in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit series, Caesar in the Planet of the Apes trilogy, the titular gorilla in 2005’s King Kong, and as Supreme Leader Snoke in the recent Star Wars trilogy, Serkis has both pioneered the evolving art of performance capture and widened the parameters of what it means to be an actor in the 21st century.’
Pioneer: Andy, 55, is being honoured for his huge contribution to cinema, both as an actor and immense behind the scenes work as a pioneer in digital technology, creating characters such as Gollum in The Lord Of The Rings film franchise
Marc Samuelson, Chair of BAFTA’s Film Committee said: ‘Andy’s work on and off screen has been nothing short of revolutionary, inspiring audiences and his peers alike.’
‘His pioneering influence as a performer, an educator, a leading innovator and an employer has helped shape the global film industry and the positive impact will be felt for years to come. He’s a truly remarkable ambassador for our industry and a thoroughly deserving recipient of this year’s outstanding achievement award.’
Andy commented: ‘I’m deeply honoured and thrilled to receive this award, and count myself extremely lucky to be on such a continually fascinating journey in visual storytelling, one that has given me the opportunity to collaborate with many of the world’s greatest artists, technologists and craftspeople, with whom I’d like to share this wonderful accolade.’
Actor: Serkis has appeared in a hugely diverse set of roles across movies and television (pictured in the recent BBC adaptation of A Christmas Carol)
BAFTA said in a statement: ‘Through the creation of such characters as Caesar in the Planet of the Apes trilogy (pictured) Serkis has both pioneered the evolving art of performance capture’
In 2011, Andy founded (with film producer Jonathan Cavendish) The Imaginarium, a production company and digital studio dedicated to believable and emotionally engaging digital characters using performance capture technology for films and games.
Andy has consulted on motion capture on a number of films including the 2014 version of Godzilla and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
He has been BAFTA nominated twice, for playing Ian Dury in Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll, and for playing Ian Brady on television in Longford.
Multi talented: His other film roles include 24 Hour Party People, The Prestige, Brighton Rock and The Adventures of Tintin (pictured)
His other film roles include 24 Hour Party People, The Prestige, Brighton Rock and The Adventures of Tintin.
He made his directorial debut with Breathe in 2017, and has since directed Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, based on the Jungle Book. He is currently directing Venom 2, starring Tom Hardy.
The EE British Academy Film Awards, hosted by Graham Norton, will take place on Sunday 2 February 2020 at the Royal Albert Hall.
Prestigious gong: One of BAFTA’s highest honours, the award is presented annually in honour of Michael Balcon, the British film producer known for his work with Ealing Studios
