Ridley Scott to be honoured with BAFTA fellowship

'To be honoured for my body of work is indeed very gratifying'

The 80-year-old's careers spans 40 years and includes many critically applauded films (Getty)

BAFTA has announced Ridley Scott will be honoured with the Fellowship at this year’s ceremony, the highest accolade awarded by the organisation.

Previous filmmakers to have been bestowed with the Fellowship include the filmmakers Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, Stanley Kubrick and Martin Scorsese.

Mel Brooks was last year’s recipient, while actors Sean Connery, Elizabeth Taylor, Judi Dench, Vanessa Redgrave and Christopher Lee have also previously been honoured.

The Fellowship is awarded annually and recognises individuals who have made an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, games or television.

Speaking about the honour, Scott said: “It is a privilege to have been able to make a career for myself in this industry and to be honoured for my body of work is indeed very gratifying.”

Scott’s career spans 40 years, with the director having helmed many critically applauded films, including Alien, Blade Runner, Thelma & Louise, Gladiator, Hannibal and many more. For his various projects, he has received five BAFTA nominations and three Oscars.

Most recently, Scott directed All the Money in the World, for which Christopher Plummer has been nominated for best supporting actor at the Oscars.

This year’s BAFTAs take place on 18 February at the Royal Albert Hall, with Joanna Lumley taking over from Stephen Fry as the host.