The Queen has been awarded an honorary BAFTA at a reception she was hosting to celebrate the British film industry at Windsor Castle.
She was presented with the award by the actor and director Sir Kenneth Branagh. The chairman of BAFTA, John Willis, said the Queen was being honoured for her enduring support for and outstanding patronage of for the British film industry.
About three hundred guests, including actors, writers, directors, publicists and critics, were at the event, staged in the lavish state apartments.
The actors Sir Ian McKellen, Billy Connolly, Sir Christopher Lee and Minnie Driver, and writers Richard CurtisĀ and Lord Fellowes were among those attending the reception, to recognise those on both sides of the camera and in the supporting creative industries. The guest list also included foreign film-makers who’ve contibuted to the UK industry, including the creator of Star Wars, George Lucas.
Guests were shown a seven minute tribute to one hundred and fifty years of British cinema, compiled by BAFTA. The montage included clips from films including Quadrophenia, Trainspotting and Bridget Jones Diary.
Guests also saw a screening of some black and white film footage from the Royal Family’s personal archive.