Prince William paid tribute to NBCUniversal chairman Donna Langley at Sunday night’s film awards ceremony when he awarded her the BAFTA Fellowship, the BAFTA’s highest honor, calling the British-born studio head a “shining light.”
“A path to fellowship is an honor bestowed in recognition of extraordinary contributions to film,” he told the audience, which included many of Langley’s colleagues and collaborators, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Renée Zellweger and Emma Stone. “And tonight’s recipient is, simply put, exceptional.”
He went on to cite Langley’s “determination,” “commitment,” “transformational leadership,” and “unwavering commitment to creative partnerships” as other characteristics.
He also praised Langley, who was made Damehood, one of the British royal family’s highest honors, by Queen Elizabeth II in 2020, for advocating “tirelessness” for British talent overseas.
“Dame Donna’s influence on NBCUniversal and the film industry is huge,” William said. “She is a shining light for everyone starting out in the creative industries, showing that anything is possible.”
He then introduced a VT containing tributes from many of Langley’s colleagues, including Christopher Nolan, Steven Spielberg, Eric Fellner, Judy Kramer and Emma Thompson, who are currently putting the finishing touches on Universal Pictures’ The Odyssey.
“Her patience is like a bonding agent,” Spielberg said. “It makes all of us feel like she’s our security blanket in a way.”
As the audience at the Royal Festival Hall rose to give Langley a standing ovation, William’s wife Catherine, who was sitting in the front row next to the NBCUniversal chief, gave Langley a warm smile before heading to the stage to accept the Fellowship.
“As my career progressed, I came to believe that the most meaningful part of what we do is the people we choose to support along the way,” Langley told the audience. “The voices we encourage. And the talents we protect…long enough for them to stand up for. And the doors we remember to open.”
“Today, we also face a moment of change and disruption. And my hope is that those of us who make a living telling stories continue to find the inspiration to create popular art that carries over into people’s daily lives. It helps us understand the world a little better, see each other a little more clearly… and reminds us that common sense is a superpower.”
Prince William and Duchess Kate’s attendance at Sunday night’s ceremony was a closely guarded secret, with no indication from BAFTA or Kensington Palace that the couple planned to attend.
