The first British woman to run a major Hollywood studio, Dame Donna was recognised for her contribution to film and television during the 79th British Academy Film Awards ceremony tonight (Sunday).

The award was presented at the BAFTA ceremony following an introduction by the organisation’s president, Prince William, who praised her “transformative leadership” and long-standing commitment to championing British talent on the world stage.

Dame Donna, who attended Lake Middle School and Carisbrooke High School, and whose dad, John, lives in Newport, was seated alongside Catherine, Princess of Wales, during the ceremony at Royal Festival Hall in London.

Dame Donna Langley’s proud dad, John, with a recent County Press newspaper featuring her on the front page (Image: IWCP)

Introducing her to the audience, Prince William said: “The BAFTA Fellowship is an honour given in recognition of an exceptional contribution to film and tonight’s recipient is quite simply that – exceptional.

“Her determination and commitment have driven her to become one of the most influential and respected figures in the entertainment industry.

“She was the first British woman to run a major Hollywood studio and is now chair of NBC Universal Entertainment.

Prince William introducing Dame Donna Langley at the BAFTAs (Image: BBC/BBC iPlayer)

“The transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to creative partnership have brought some of this century’s most iconic films to the big screen and to audiences around the world.

“And, in amongst all of this, Dame Donna Langley has maintained a strong commitment to inclusion and mentorship, founding initiatives to widen access to careers in the screen arts and supporting women in leadership. This work is crucial.

“Dame Donna has also been a tireless advocate for British talent abroad, ensuring our storytellers, our performers and creators are seen, supported, and celebrated on the world stage.

Dame Donna Langley seated next to Catherine, Princess of Wales, at the BAFTAs (Image: BBC/BBC iPlayer)

“Dame Donna’s impact at NBC Universal, and on the film industry, is significant.

“She has championed films that have shaped culture and is responsible for some of our most beloved franchises.

“She’s a shining light to all those starting out in the creative industries, showing that anything is possible.”

A video tribute featured some of the biggest names in cinema, including Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, Tom Cruise and fellow Dame, Emma Thompson, all praising her creative leadership, collaborative spirit and influence on modern film.

Steven Spielberg speaking about Dame Donna Langley at the BAFTAs (Image: BBC/BBC iPlayer)

Steven Spielberg said: “People everywhere in this community, every studio, they all love Donna.

“Donna is a peacemaker, and she’s a deal maker, a creative rights advocate, and she’s always on the forward fringe of new business, new technology, new ideas.

“Her patience is kind of like the bonding agent that makes us all feel like, in a way, she’s our security blanket.

“Donna believes that movies and audiences belong in movie theatres, and she’s an advocate of that. And that’s why she has people wanting to come here to make movies for audiences.”

Christopher Nolan speaking about Dame Donna Langley at the BAFTAs (Image: BBC/BBC iPlayer)

Christopher Nolan added: “It’s hard to think of a more deserving recipient of a BAFTA Fellowship than Dame Donna Langley.

“She’s been leading Universal with a very unique blend of filmmaker-friendly creative insights with true leadership, who commands respect.

“She listens to the people who work for her, she empowers them, and the love they have for her, you feel it in every meeting at Universal.

“Donna has a grasp of all the different aspects of the filmmaking process, but never loses sight of the audience. Donna is so inspiring to work for and to collaborate with.”

Judy Craymer speaking about Dame Donna Langley at the BAFTAs (Image: BBC/BBC iPlayer)

Film producer Judy Craymer described her as “a Titan” and “an outlier”, adding: “She’s already created an incredible legacy.

“Donna Langley is very similar to the leading lady in Mamma Mia!, also called Donna.

“She’s gutsy, puts her overalls on and gets down to some hard work, and I always call her Donna the Dynamo because she is.”

Eric Fellner speaking about Dame Donna Langley at the BAFTAs (Image: BBC/BBC iPlayer)

Producer Eric Fellner said: “Dame Donna, what a legend.

“A girl from the Isle of Wight, here in the UK, can end up being one of the longest-running studio heads.

“When she believes in what you’re trying to do, she’s 100 per cent behind you.”

Tom Cruise speaking about Dame Donna Langley at the BAFTAs (Image: BBC/BBC iPlayer)

Actor Tom Cruise told her: “You inspire others. It takes tremendous dedication, patience, compassion, dignity, and integrity to do it well.”

Actress Dame Emma Thompson added: “No one could deserve it more.

“You wield your extraordinary power with dignity, grace, wisdom and taste.

“I love you and aspire to be you.”

Dame Emma Thompson speaking about Dame Donna Langley at the BAFTAs (Image: BBC/BBC iPlayer)

Taking to the stage to accept the Fellowship, Dame Donna reflected on her journey from the Island to the top of Hollywood.

“In many ways, I saw myself as the girl least likely to succeed, not from self-doubt, but from a keen awareness that I was different,” she said.

“But my parents taught me early on to see differences as a strength and not a weakness. And that is the wonderful thing about this industry. It’s the perfect place for anyone who feels a little bit different.

“Tonight, I am very grateful to every person who opened a door, a gate, or invited me in during those early days.

Dame Donna Langley being handed the Recognition Award by Prince William at the BAFTAs (Image: BBC/BBC iPlayer)

“As my career has progressed, I’ve come to believe that the most meaningful part of what we do is the people we choose to support along the way, the doors we remember to open, the voices we encourage, and the talent we protect long enough for them to find their feet.

“Because someone once did the same for us, even when, and maybe especially because, we were different.

“My hope is that those of us who help tell stories for a living continue to find inspiration to make popular art that carries over into people’s everyday lives, that helps us understand the world a bit better, to see each other a little more clearly, and remind us that decency is a superpower.

“As we move forward, let’s remember, the future of this business is not something that happens to us, it’s something we shape by the risks we take and the people we back.

“So let us continue to adapt and be resilient and make room for new voices.

“I dedicate this award to every single one of the visionaries in this room tonight, radiant in your differences, and to all of you, I want to say, I can’t wait to see what you do next.”

Dame Donna Langley at the BAFTAs (Image: BBC/BBC iPlayer)