2009 Academy Fellow: Terry Gilliam

Terry Gilliam, pioneering and unique filmmaker, was presented with the 2009 BAFTA Fellowship at the Orange British Academy Film Awards ceremony on Sunday 8 February.

Gilliam is recognised for his outstanding contribution to film with work like Brazil, Time Bandits and Life of Brian.

In a career spanning five decades, the Monty Python star has enjoyed BAFTA, Academy Award and Golden Globe success.

His creative passion and unique vision have made him one of the great filmmakers of the last 30 years, celebrated for his screenwriting, directing and surreal animations.

Born in Minnesota, Gillian moved to New York to work with MAD Magazine creator Harvey Kurtzman and become a cartoonist, magazine illustrator, copywriter and art director.

In 1969, he teamed up with Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin to form the legendary comedy team Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

Much-loved hit Monty Python and the Holy Grail was the first film he directed, alongside Terry Jones.

In his career, Gilliam has worked with some of the most interesting actors of his generation including Jeff Bridges, Christina Ricci, Brad Pitt, Benicio Del Toro and Ellen Barkin.

His unique films span comedy, fantasy and science fiction. They include Jabberwocky, Time Bandits, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, Twelve Monkeys and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

Gilliam recently completed Heath Ledger’s final film, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, which also stars Lily Cole, Verne Troyer, Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell and Jude Law.

Awarded every year by the Academy, the BAFTA Fellowship is the highest accolade given to an individual in recognition of an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, games or TV.

Previous Fellows include Elizabeth Taylor, Stanley Kubrick, Anthony Hopkins, Laurence Olivier, Judi Dench and Vanessa Redgrave.

For more inspiring stories from the world of film, games and TV explore our BAFTA Award Stories section.