Sir Christopher Lee, world-renowned actor, was honoured to accept the 2011 BAFTA Fellowship.

Lee was recognised for his outstanding and exceptional contribution to film spanning over eight decades. Famous for playing unforgettable screen villains, his key films include Dracula, The Man with the Golden Gun, the Star Wars prequels and The Lord of The Rings trilogy.

“I’m absolutely delighted that the Academy is recognising Sir Christopher Lee,” says Tim Corrie, chair of the Academy.

“He has entertained me over many years and is a bastion of British filmmaking around the globe.”

He was presented with the Academy Fellowship at the Orange British Academy Film Awards ceremony on 13 February 2011.

Over 200 films in eight decades

Lee has appeared in over 200 films. His star rose in the 1950s with roles as both Dracula and Frankenstein’s creature in a pair of acclaimed Hammer Horror hits. In the seventies he thrilled cinemas as Lord Summerisle in cult classic The Wicker Man and Scaramanga in The Man with the Golden Gun.

Lee won a new global audience when he starred as Saruman in the BAFTA and Oscar-winning Lord of the Rings trilogy. His role as Count Dooku in the Star Wars prequels also brought him fresh fans.

He’s worked extensively with director Tim Burton, appearing in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland and Corpse Bride, in new roles that reference his horror heritage.

Lee was knighted in 2009 for his services to drama and charity.

What is the BAFTA Fellowship?

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 and Judi Dench.

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