11/04/2014 - Veteran actress has enjoyed a glittering career on the stage, television and screen

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced that acclaimed actress Julie Walters CBE will receive the Fellowship at this year’s British Academy Television Awards ceremony on May 18. Awarded annually, the Fellowship is the highest accolade bestowed by the Academy in recognition of an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, television or games. Previous winners for work in television include Michael Palin, Richard Curtis and David Frost.

Walters started her career as a collaborator with comedienne Victoria Wood, who hosted the series, Wood and Walters, and the BAFTA-winning sketch series, Victoria Wood As Seen On TV. Her other credits include The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Dinnerladies, The Jury, A Short Stay in Switzerland and Mo, for which she won the Leading Actress BAFTA in 2010 for the titular role. Walters has worked in the industry for over 30 years across disciplines – television, film and stage – and genres, from drama to comedy. She has won six BAFTAs, a BAFTA Special Award, a Golden Globe, an Olivier and two International Emmys.

BAFTA CEO Amanda Berry said, “Julie Walters is one the most talented individuals to grace our screens. She has the innate ability to draw the viewer in across any genre, captivating and entertaining with every performance. Julie is thoroughly deserving of the Fellowship, the highest honour the Academy can bestow.”

Walters said, “I am honoured to receive this prestigious award and extremely shocked. I’ve worked with some brilliant people over the years and have been very fortunate to have had the opportunities to work on such a variety of projects.”