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Hollywood Powerhouse: From Isle of Wight to BAFTA's Top Honor
22 Feb
Summary
- UK-born Donna Langley to receive BAFTA's highest accolade.
- She is the chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment.
- Langley is behind successful films like Oppenheimer and Wicked.
Dame Donna Langley, a prominent British film executive and the chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment, is set to be honored with the BAFTA Fellowship on February 22, 2026. This prestigious award recognizes an exceptional contribution to film, games, or television.
Langley, who was born on the Isle of Wight, has been instrumental in the success of numerous major film franchises and hits, including Oppenheimer, Wicked, Fast & Furious, and Jurassic World. Her influence in Hollywood is significant, having previously chaired Universal Pictures and driven billions in worldwide box office revenue.
She is noted as the first British woman to head a major Hollywood studio and was previously recognized with a Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2020. Langley moved to Los Angeles three decades ago and continues to oversee NBCUniversal Entertainment's diverse output, encompassing both film and television.
Her career began modestly as a waitress in Los Angeles, progressing through various roles in talent management and production before ascending the ranks at Universal. Langley credits her British upbringing for her nuanced understanding of comedy, citing early work on franchises like Austin Powers.
