Warwick Davies: Harry Potter actor to receive BAFTA fellowship

Actor and TV presenter Warwick Davies will receive this year’s BAFTA Fellowship, the British Academy’s highest honour.

The Surrey-born actor is known for appearing in the Harry Potter and Star Wars film series and has presented the ITV game show Tenable since 2016.

In a statement, Davies described the fellowship as an “incredible honour” and thanked BAFTA for “believing in my journey”.

“I accept this fellowship in honor of anyone living with dwarfism or any form of difference, reminding us that our individuality can be our greatest asset,” he said.

Davis, 54, has spondyloepifacial dysplasia congenita, a rare form of dwarfism.

Throughout his career, he has advocated for a more inclusive screen industry and is the founder of Willow Management, an agency dedicated to representing actors under 5 feet or over 7 feet tall.

Davies said: “The Fellowship, to me, embodies the spirit of inclusion, creativity and collaboration that BAFTA stands for.

“This recognition is not just about the body of work I’ve contributed to, but also about the people who have stood by me and the audiences who have made this journey worthwhile.”

He continued: “I also want to acknowledge the wonderful colleagues and friends who have worked behind the scenes – costumers, make-up artists, camera crews – who quietly and tirelessly pour their heart into every production.

“I look forward to maintaining fresh perspectives, advocating for better representation and inspiring the next generation of storytellers to dream big.”

The fellowship recognizes industry figures who have made outstanding contributions to film, television or games.

Previous recipients include Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Vanessa Redgrave, Martin Scorsese, Sidney Pottier and Dame Helen Mirren.

Davis began his career at the age of 11 as Wicket the Ewc in 1983’s Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.

He has continued to appear in the franchise in subsequent decades, most recently in 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker.

His other film credits include Willow, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and the horror comedy Leprechaun film franchise.

Davis is perhaps best known to audiences for his role as Professor Philious Flatwick in the Harry Potter series of films, in which he appeared between 2001 and 2011.

He appeared in the BBC TV series Lives Too Short, which he created with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.

BAFTA chair Sarah Pitt described Davies as “a talented, much-loved and truly inspirational figure who has captivated audiences for decades”.

Last year, Davies’ wife Samantha, co-founder of the dwarf-based charity Little People UK, died aged 53.

Davis called him his “favorite person”. “His passing has left a huge hole in our lives as a family,” he said. An inquest into his death was due to start this week but was adjourned until a later date.

Nominations for the BAFTA Film Awards will be announced on Wednesday 15 January, with Conclave, Emilia Perez, Anura and The Brutalist expected to make the shortlist.