[DONE] Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema in 2011 - The Harry Potter Films
03 February 11
The Harry Potter film series received the award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema at the Orange British Academy Film Awards in 2011.
J.K. Rowling and David Heyman received the award on behalf of the franchise during the ceremony at London’s Royal Opera House on Sunday 13 February 2011.
Watch the Backstage Interview:
More About the Award:
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.
Starting in 2001 with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the film franchise from Warner Bros. Pictures has defined a decade of British filmmaking. As well as continually introducing exciting new performers to a global audience, the films have built a reputation for showcasing the wealth of British stage and screen acting talent.
The Harry Potter films have not only created stars in front of the camera, but have 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 last year when Warner Bros. Pictures, which has shepherded the film series from its inception, purchased Leavesden Studios in Hertfordshire. Leavesden Studios has been the Harry Potter base for the past ten years.
BAFTA/Richard KendalThe 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. The numbers for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, as well as the anticipation for Part 2, opening on July 15, 2011, should ensure its place in film history for years to come.
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, including this year’s two nominations in the Special Visual Effects and Make Up & Hair categories.
In addition, the films have been nominated four times in the Children’s Awards public vote, winning twice (2003 & 2006 for The Chamber of Secrets and Goblet of Fire respectively); and also won the Orange Film of the Year public vote at the Film Awards in 2004 for The Prisoner of Azkaban.
Finola Dwyer, Chair of the Film Committee commented, “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. We’re delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate with JK Rowling and David Heyman at the Film Awards.”
Producer David Heyman said:
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.
“It's a thrill to see the Harry Potter films recognized with such a prestigious honor,” said Alan Horn, President and Chief Operating Officer, Warner Bros. “It’s been gratifying to be part of this great franchise, and we join BAFTA in applauding our extraordinary filmmakers, our wonderful cast, and of course JK Rowling, who started it all with her beloved literary works.”
Daniel Radcliffe who plays the eponymous hero remarked, “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.”
Emma Watson who plays Hermione Granger said, “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”
Rupert Grint who plays Ron Weasley added, “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.”
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Mark Mckenzie
(01-06-2011)
"The utterly amazzingly phenomenal award-winning films are fantastic, myserious and magical! The magnificently phenomenal award-winning books are appealing to both adults and children alike, and have sold over 400million books during 2008. The author is as rich as the Queen herself. P.S:- the actors and actresses are outstanding I swear i'm not just saying that, it's the truth!"
vivi
(02-37-2011)
"congratulations on the appreciation .. always successful. does harry potter movie is amazing...."
Mare
(02-37-2011)
"I must admit I did not read the books until several years afterwards after I saw the first movie, I snapped them all up and read them with my kids. Other then my disapointment of Dumbledore's funeral which was a pivotal point not included in the movie in the books I must say well done and well deserved."
J. Golden
(02-36-2011)
"I hated reading when I was younger and because of these books it has changed my whole perspective of what literature actually is. You are able to use your imagination and that is what J.K. Rowling has demonstrated to her fans for over a decade. "
Cathy Lennon
(02-35-2011)
"I have been a Harry Potter Fan since I picked up my first book. and when the first Film was made, the pleasure it gave me to be able to actually see the characters was wonderful. Thank you so much to the amazing young actors who have brought Harrys world to life.. You are all truly wonderful.... at 51, I am still a huge fan and will remain so for ever... Cathy Lennon"
Michael Langlois
(02-33-2011)
"I am 64 years old - like another commentator and have enjoyed both the films and the books. I will admit I went through a "phase" when I was upset with Harry's apparent rebelliousness as he entered into adolescence, but always appreciated his courage and determination, especially in the later books. Here's hoping for at least one sequel once he becomes an adult auror."
Diane
(02-32-2011)
"I am a huge fan of the Harry Potter series, but I'm a Mom first. As a mom, I want to thank the Ms. Rowling, the producers, and the directors for being 'responsible' to the audience they knew would be watching their films and not succumbing to the potential pressure of the industry. You have made these films enjoyable for the young and the young at heart! Ms. Rowling has taught my daughter that the power of imagination is limitless. The production staff has shown her another outlet of imagination and creativity and has set her on a path to a possible career! The incredible actors have shown her the meaning of respect, work ethic, and friendship. This award is most deserved! Congratulations to all!"
Kathy Burke (Canada)
(02-32-2011)
"I have read the books too many times to count and like Sandra I am an older reader and I have each movie worn out from watching them and I enjoy every second.If anyone deserves this award it has to be you people...........congratulations to each and every one."
amie
(02-32-2011)
"i like it film harry potter, very very love "
Thierry Pierre
(02-32-2011)
" people I'm from Brazil and I loved this site (follow me on twitter @thierry_pierre) "
Celtic Lady
(02-31-2011)
"This is great news as this incredible series has been greatly unappreciated, especially in the US where they seem to deem all these wonderful British movies as beneath them for some stupid reason. Congrats to Rowling, Daniel, Emma, Rupert and all the wonderful actors and actresses who contributed their great talent to the series. And to those whose faces were not seen: congrats for a job very well done! It is also nice to see there are people in my age group that feels the same. (60s!)"
Liz
(02-31-2011)
"I am so happy that the entire Harry Potter team won this award. Being half US and half English, I try to keep up with what is going on with the HP films and books on both sides of the pond. Wonderful!!"
raksha
(02-30-2011)
"cool congrats guys i wish more awards come in u r way"
Marlene Simpson
(02-30-2011)
"Outstanding."
Jasper Fang
(02-30-2011)
"Oh my god Emma, where is your lovely hair? I love your old hairstyle a lot.. What makes you change it? Anyway, this is an outstanding new. Congratulations guys, keep it up, I love you and i can't wait to see you in the big screen again.."
gaurav bhardwaj
(02-30-2011)
"nice group forever in the universe "
Emz Little
(02-26-2011)
"I think its a crime that they havent had more awards for the incredible work that goes into making these films 100% beleiveable ! Im 37 and only got into HP when my children started to watch the films, i thought they were fantastic and didnt mind if they watched them over and over! ive since bought the books and read them over and over ! thanks to jo rowling for letting me escape to such a fantastic magical world with the great story of love, freindship and loyalty,and a perfect hero that all children can look up to.And thankyou to the film makers and actors for bringing the story alive, they have given us a great gift !! Im so sad it will all end soon ,already grieving!Harry Potter will be a part of my life forever X"
Eva Henriksson
(02-26-2011)
"At the age of 42 I feel like a kid on Christmas Day waiting to open up the presents. Deathly Hallows II has its premiere on my 42nd birthday. I can´t think of any better way of celebrating than to see this enchanting film series to the close on July 15th 2011."
Brent
(02-24-2011)
"Words cannot express my graditude to all those thousands of people responsible for the creation of the Harry Potter films. It has to be my most cherished set of films to date. I wish each member of the cast all the best for the future. Peace and God bless. (Sure you can't make a #8? j/k'ng)"
javiera
(02-13-2011)
"Harry potter movies are the best:) they deserve this award and many more! I love to work done daniel, emma and rupert, they're wonderful actors and I'm proud to be a harry potter fan:) I can not wait to see the last part!"
Chanel Roberts
(18-34-2011)
"the books, the films and the games deserve this award so much! thankyou j.k. rowling and everyone who made the harry potter world come to life"
Nicol
(18-32-2011)
"From the U.S. many congratulations and MANY thanks to all cast and crew! Ms. Rowling, I am a 42- year old lover of the novels and own them (and the films), proudly. In regards to any negative comments ever made about you or the books/movies, let me just say, respectfully, they just don't get it. But your fans and admirers DO. :-) "
nora
(18-32-2011)
"i have enjoyed all the books and the movies im very sad to see it end but i would like to thank all of you for all that you have done i feel that all has been the best ive seen in my life time you all deserve the very best "
Crissy
(18-32-2011)
"I was so happy for the cast and crew of the HP series! I love all the films and the books even more and I too will be sad when the last movie ends it's run, but lets not forget you can re-read the books and DVD's are great over and over and over again! what a wonderful gift to all of us , both young and old."
Silvana Cini
(18-32-2011)
"I' m 47 years old and a mother of 3 children. I just love Harry Potter. I can't get enough of the movies, just keep watching over and over. Thanks for Harry Potter books and Movies. Congratulations!!! You all deserve it. "
Raf Sleurs
(18-31-2011)
"Notice how Emma's hair has changed at the sides. It's now a bit more pointy there and a but longer. In short: I love it!"
Joe Topping
(18-06-2011)
"The books and films are really really good if their was a world wide quiz I'd win it hands down! that's how obsessed I am! (don't hold me to that!)"
Joe Topping
(18-05-2011)
"These books are soooooooo awesome! it would be the coolest thing on the planet if they were true! congratulations!"
Sandra Holt
(14-08-2011)
"I am 64 years old and have enjoyed every book and every movie several times. I have always been disappointed when the movies have had nominations and not won, both in the UK and in USA. I believe that the quality of each movie makes the world of Harry Potter seem so real and plausible that the voters for awards over look them. To me it seems a great credit is owed to everyone who worked on the movies. I am looking forward to J.K. Rowling's next book as well. Thank You for all the books and all the movies. S.H."
Fonou
(14-48-2011)
"Congratulations to everyone. The HP series is the best collection of books and films ever that enlighted my world. Well deserved!"
Brigitte JANAUD
(14-53-2011)
"Outstanding, very well done and looking forward to seeing the last part. A french fan of Harry Potter's book and JK Rowling"
Hpfan
(13-04-2011)
"Harry Potter deserves this, not only is the Harry Potter series an amazing collection of books & films, but it is a world of it's own, it has given people a brand new perspective on life and created new friendship for people around the world, it's brought people together and created music, games and so much more. It's a world in it's own and to so many people it's real."
Carrie-Ann
(13-04-2011)
"They deserved it so damn much! I almost cried when they were showing clips from the films. I wish it didn't have to end. I'm going to miss it so much! "
Celia
(13-16-2011)
"Yes! Brilliant move on the Baftas part. This series definitely deserves this recognition. It's been going strong for over a decade and has yet to waver in quality, dedication, and sheer magic. I love it and I will be a fan for life!"
chena
(13-00-2011)
"I believe that this franchise gave the British film industry worldwide acknowledgement - commenting outside UK"
Jordan Hedley
(13-59-2011)
"congratulations to all at Harry Potter. You have done amazingly to captivate the aundience for 10 years. including me! i love harry potter and im so sad its finishing :("
Cindy Lim
(13-59-2011)
"Congratulations Harry Potter, you deserved it! Harry Potter is the best series ever!"
Mat Roff
(13-58-2011)
"I'm glad BAFTA is honoring this franchise; I personally think it should have got more awards in previous years because the work that goes into making them is incredible. And I can honestly say, no other film franchise has made me want to go and see each one the day it comes out in cinemas. Whether you like it or loath it, they really have upped the bar for British cinema and inspired me to make films. So thank you, and thanks to BAFTA for giving this award to them."
Dasha Volkova
(10-42-2011)
"We've been waiting for years to come. Thank you Joanne. Congratulations to all! Viva Harry Potter!"
Hermione Granger
(08-26-2011)
"Thank you Jo for writing such a wonderful series that changed my whole life & thanks to Emma and all others( specially to Snape & Dumbledore)who played their part very well. i believe Harry Potter deserves more than this. so i wish they will get that. Harry Potter is the best forever!!!!!"
guntur
(08-25-2011)
"waw harry potter good"
Connie Stevens
(08-25-2011)
"I have enjoyed the Potter series more than any other movies ever and I am sixty years old.+"
hiba
(08-25-2011)
"i am soooo delighted that harry potter get this great award. they more than deserved it! J.K Rowling is a legend! :) i just wanted to add that the books and films alike have made my life just that much brighter, and that this award has made the sadness of harry potter ending just that less painfull"
CarrieBeth
(08-25-2011)
"i love the harry potter series, i have seen all of the movies several times, and i have read all of the books twice except for the last book which i read 28 times now. i am such a harry potter nut an I am so thankful for all of yall that worked on the movies over the years and i am happy that J.K. Rowling wrote this series. I LOVE THE HP SERIES!!! i wish the series wasn't coming to and end, but I'm ready to see how yall do the second half of the end. Thank you for working on this for so long, i have yet to go to the harry potter wizarding world, but i will be going there in a few years and when i go i think i will go broke haha. "
Simon Forrest
(08-24-2011)
"Sorry to be a lone voice of slight dissent (apparently), but an award to the Harry Potter films franchise is one of the silliest award ideas I've heard in a long time. Good films, really enjoyed them etc etc but playing this popularist game is unnecessary. Who selects this award by the way?"
Wayne Whitaker
(08-24-2011)
"J.O Rowling isnt it suppose to be J.K Rowling I dont know I could be wrong. Anyways great job one the movies fellas Im looking forward to many more to come from this director and Maybe actors as well. "
Lynn Chenard
(04-16-2011)
"I cannot explain how happy I am that the series is winning this award. It is so deserving. The Harry Potter books and films have changed my life and my family included forever! These books started my children's love of reading! The series cannot win enough awards as far as I am concerned, you deserve hundreds! Thank you!"
Justin Ozuna
(04-19-2011)
"Oh my god you guys are all amazing harry potter is my favorite film in the world and always will be ! Even when it ends !"
Ayla Busscher
(04-19-2011)
"I love Emma Watsons great acting in all of these movies I've seen every one of them Emma Watson you are my romodel I wanna be just like you when I grow up!!"
kerstin Anders
(04-18-2011)
"Totally awsome , I can't think of any more deserving than the cast and crew of this series. Well done!!!!"
michelle sharpe
(04-18-2011)
"what a wonderful thing for the Harry Potter movies it is a tribute to the writer JK Rowling and actore and crew who brought these films to life and gave millions and millions of people a wonderful experience at the movies . Seeing these wonderful books brought to life."
KP
(04-18-2011)
"They deserve it! This is and will continue to be a huge accomplishment in film history. This is wonderful."
Divya Narayan
(04-18-2011)
"About time, overdue, I should say!!! Jokes apart, I would just like to say that there are many people who (rightly) think that the Oscars have completely snubbed the HP franchise time and again (for example, the music score for 'Prisoner of Azkaban' that should've won the Oscar). But, you should know these films have never ever been made with any intention of winning Oscars (if an Oscar nomination comes along, great. Otherwise, no big deal). These films have been made purely due to all the love and affection that the fans, Rowling, Heyman, and co., have bestowed upon the franchise (hence have ended up being the highest grossing film franchise in history). So, there is no real need to feel disappointed about the continual (& unjust) Oscar snubs. On the other hand, I am extremely proud and privileged to have grown up in an era, which can proudly proclaim HP to be 'the greatest phenomenon of our time'!! Congratulations to all!!"
Ceri Rowlands
(04-18-2011)
"Amazing...they truly deserve recongnition for their hard work, bringing the magic of Harry Potter into my life has touched me powerfully over the years and Harry Potter will be greatly missed..well done to all"
samantha roebuck
(04-18-2011)
"well done to jk rowling, david hayman , daniel radcliffe, emma watson, rupert grint and all who play in harry potter me and my two deaf boy are harry potter fan so again well done love samantha"
Deepa
(04-17-2011)
"you guys deserve this..:):) congrats.."