Warwick Davis is renowned in several nerd fandoms including Star Wars, Harry Potter, and here in Willow, where he played the title characters -- twice. And now, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) will celebrate his storied career by honoring him with the BAFTA Fellowship.
The BAFTA Fellowship is the UK version of a "lifetime achievement award" and is considered one of the highest honors in any arts awarding body. Davis, 54, began his notable career in film at age 11 when he spoke to George Lucas and became Wicket W. Warrick, the highly recognizable--and marketable--Ewok in Return of the Jedi. Since 1983, Warwick Davis (no, the name of the lovable character is not a coincidence) has been a wonderful character actor.
Sara Putt, BAFTA Chair said of the acknowledgement:
"From his iconic performances to his advocacy for greater inclusion and representation on and off-screen, Warwick has had a remarkable impact on cinema and has been profoundly influential in fostering a more inclusive and caring society."
According to the BAFTA news release, Davis believes the award isn't just for his work in film and television but represents those who have acted by his side and the many millions of fans who have appreciated their efforts. In typical Davis fashion, his personal mission was central to his remarks.
"I accept this Fellowship in honor of everyone living with dwarfism or any form of difference, reminding us that our uniqueness can be our greatest asset. I also want to acknowledge the wonderful colleagues and friends who’ve worked behind the scenes—costumers, makeup artists, camera crews—who quietly and tirelessly pour their hearts into every production."
Davis was diagnosed with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare form of dwarfism. He has showcased his awe-inspiring strength over the years as a powerful advocate for actors under five feet and over seven feet, fighting for representation on the screen. His foundation, Willow Management, is the largest of its kind in the world. Furthermore, the acclaimed actor operates the Reduced Height Theater Company to help build careers in screen arts as well.
With over 100 projects to his credit, Davis' career is teeming with recognizable roles, whether overdone or overwhelming. Aside from Wicket, who was last in Star Wars IX: The Rise of Skywalker, he is seen in:
- Willow as Willow Ufgood (focus on the 1988 Ron Howard visionary film)
- Leprechaun as the Leprechaun
- Harry Potter saga as Professor Flitwick
- Ray as Oberon, the shifty nightclub promoter
He was even part of the Goblin Corps in the David Bowie classic Labyrinth and had other roles in the Potterverse as Wizard in Prisoner of Azkaban, the Goblin Bank Teller in Sorcerer's Stone, and Griphook in Deathly Hallows: Part I. Additionally, he has been given several roles in the Star Wars universe, including Weeteef Cyubee in Rogue One, Woolivan in The Force Awakens, Wodibin in The Last Jedi, and Rukh in Star Wars: Rebels.
Davis continued thanking BAFTA for "believing in [his] journey." He continued, "From the bottom of my heart, thank you for this incredible honor. I look forward to continuing to champion fresh perspectives, advocate for better representation, and inspire the next generation of storytellers to dream big. Thank you, BAFTA, for believing in my journey."
BAFTA will award Warwick Davis on February 16.