BBC Films: Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema in 2015

BBC Films, producers of popular films like Billy Elliot, The Damned United and In the Loop has been honoured with an Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award.

The production company received the award at the EE British Academy Film Awards in 2015 where Ralph Fiennes and Julie Walters presented the award to Head of BBC Films, Christine Langan. The award is bestowed annually in honour of Michael Balcon.

• See who else has won an Outstanding British Contribution award.

BBC Films has been at the forefront of British independent filmmaking in the UK for the past 25 years. Developing and co-producing a slate of diverse and award-winning films. From Anthony Minghella’s Truly Madly Deeply in 1990 to the recently the critically acclaimed Pride, BBC Films has produced over 250 films and become a home for filmmakers.

Discussing the award, Langan, Head of BBC Films said: “For the past 25 years, great effort has gone into establishing BBC Films as a nurturing and collaborative home for filmmakers. One which showcases British talent to the world and deepens the impression of the British film industry as a vital cultural force.

“It’s a real privilege to lead the team at BBC Films and we will all be galvanised in our efforts to support and promote the industry by this prestigious award from BAFTA.”

Watch Langan discussing the win backstage below:

With over 20 BAFTAs and 100 nominations to its name, BBC Films has proved to be a bastion of quality British cinema. In BAFTA’s Best Film and Outstanding British Film categories alone, BBC Films has received 29 BAFTA nominations. This includes three wins for films such as Billy Elliot, Fish Tank and My Summer of Love.

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