News
Prince William to become President of BAFTA
21st February 2010
Prince William attended the Orange British Academy Film Awards this evening, as it was announced that he would become the fifth President of the organisation.
The Prince, who will take over from Lord Attenborough, gave a speech at the award ceremony and presented Vanessa Redgrave with the Academy fellowship, the highest accolade the British Academy bestows on someone for "outstanding and exceptional" contribution to film.
In his speech Prince William said: “Britain has been a world leader in so many ways, not least in its cultural achievements.
"From the days of Shakespeare to our own of Shakespeare in Love, British playwrights, script writers, actors, film makers and now video game designers have led the way globally, if not always in terms of resource then undoubtedly in talent and innovation.
"From what we are about to see tonight, it is quite clear that the same extraordinary cultural dynamism that so infused the first Elizabethan age still drives the beating heart of British visual arts in this second Elizabethan era.”
Prince William also praised the less well-known charitable work of BAFTA.
He said: “Occasions such as tonight are obviously wonderful showcases for the British film industry, but I am also extremely excited about the prospect of working with BAFTA on its myriad charitable endeavours.
"Because what is less known about this wonderful organisation is how much good it does for young people with its mentoring schemes, career starter initiatives and learning and events activity across the country.”
Prince William and actress Uma Thurman introduced Vanessa Redgrave, to receive her Academy Fellowship.
Redgrave, who appeared close to tears, told the audience: "Oh dear, I'm afraid you've done me in. Your Royal Highness, my dear, beautiful Uma, my dear Bafta friends and colleagues, yes you've done me in, you have absolutely done me in."
Vanessa Redgrave praised the "intelligence, humility and kindness," of Prince William's father The Prince of Wales, as she gave her acceptance speech.
She said: "I would like to say, Your Royal Highness, how much I admire your father for his intelligence, humility and kindness."
She also told the audience how she had once learned "a great lesson" from singer Maria Callas - "to put the truth of your feelings and your thoughts first" and the sound of your voice would follow.
She also spoke of advice she had received from her father that she would need to "put yourself into the shoes of someone who is completely different from you".
Some of the industry's biggest names have received the award, including Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg and last year's recipient, Terry Gilliam.
Redgrave, 73, whose daughter Natasha Richardson died following a skiing accident last year, has had a long and successful movie career spanning six decades.
Her recent work includes the 2002 mini-series The Gathering Storm, Joe Wright's Atonement and Venus, alongside Peter O'Toole and Leslie Phillips.