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Harry Potter - Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Winner in 2011

19 December 2011

The Harry Potter films series received the award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema at the BAFTA Film Awards in 2011

The Orange British Academy Film Awards in 2011BAFTA/Richard Kendal



Starting in 2001 with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the film franchise from Warner Bros. Pictures defined a decade of British filmmaking. As well as introducing exciting new performers to a global audience, the films built a reputation for showcasing the wealth of British stage and screen acting talent. 

I am thrilled that the Harry Potter film series is being honoured with this Award. I have loved every minute of making these films and to me the real heroes are the crew and the huge team of craftsmen that have made all eight of them possible - this Award is a testament to their incredible work. - Daniel Radcliffe

Harry Potter and the Chamber of SecretsWarner Bros.


The Harry Potter films not only created stars in front of the camera, but also highlighted the expertise within the British craft and technical industries, supporting a vast array of jobs throughout production. Their contribution to the British filmmaking industry was underlined in 2010 when Warner Bros. Pictures, which shepherded the series from its inception, purchased Leavesden Studios in Hertfordshire, which has been the Harry Potter base for the past ten years. 

The Orange British Academy Film Awards in 2011BAFTA/Steve Butler

On behalf of the over 2000 people who worked in front of and behind the camera on each of the Harry Potter films I would like to say how honoured we all are to receive this Award. And thank you to Jo Rowling for entrusting us to bring her magnificent books to the screen. - Producer David Heyman


The films are nothing short of a box office phenomenon, with the first six films in the series grossing over $5.4billion worldwide, making it the top-grossing film franchise of all time. Their achievements in filmmaking have been repeatedly recognised by industry peers, with the Harry Potter series garnering an array of nominations and awards at events across the globe. As well as notching up seven Oscar nominations, the series has so far garnered a total of 28 BAFTA nominations: five nominations at the British Academy Children’s Awards and 23 at the Film Awards.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of SecretsWarner Bros.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of SecretsWarner Bros.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of SecretsWarner Bros.

Finola Dwyer, Chair of BAFTA's Film Committee said, "As this great British film success story draws to a close with this year’s eagerly anticipated final instalment, it’s fitting that BAFTA honours the Harry Potter films and their contribution to the British film industry."

Awarded annually, the award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema was introduced in 1978 and is presented in honour of Michael Balcon. The first recipients were the Special Visual Effects team for Superman and others include Kevin Brownlow, Mike Leigh, Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jarman, Working Title, Lewis Gilbert, Channel Four Films and Pinewood & Shepperton Studios. 

This is a huge honour! I am so proud to have been part of the incredible team both in front and behind the camera that made these films. Thank you to Jo Rowling for writing such wonderful books, to David Heyman for shepherding us all through the past ten years and to all the loyal fans who have been with us throughout. - Emma Watson

Thank you so much BAFTA for this amazing Award. We have spent half our lives making these films and are so proud of the pleasure they have given the fans and the contribution they have made to British cinema. - Rupert Grint