British producer Duncan Kenworthy is set to receive the BAFTA Fellowship, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts’ highest accolade, recognizing a career that has spanned more than five decades. BAFTA announced on September 9, 2026, that Kenworthy will receive the honor during a special presentation at BAFTA’s London headquarters on October 23.
The award celebrates Kenworthy’s extensive contribution to British filmmaking, his work with major creative talents and his long-standing efforts to support emerging filmmakers. The ceremony will also bring together Kenworthy and longtime collaborator Richard Curtis, who will host the special presentation.
Why Duncan Kenworthy Is Receiving the BAFTA Fellowship
Kenworthy’s career includes several of the most recognizable British films of the past few decades. He produced Richard Curtis’ Four Weddings and a Funeral in 1994, Notting Hill in 1999 and Love Actually in 2003, with his collaboration with Curtis helping establish a distinctive era of British romantic comedy that reached audiences around the world.
His producing career extends well beyond romantic comedies. Kenworthy co-founded the independent production company DNA with Andrew Macdonald, which went on to produce acclaimed films including Trainspotting, 28 Days Later, The Last King of Scotland and Civil War. His television work has also included Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock and the Emmy-winning Gulliver’s Travels, reflecting his long association with Jim Henson and The Jim Henson Company.
BAFTA has also highlighted Kenworthy’s work away from individual productions. He has supported film education and emerging talent, including through the Toledo Scholarship, established through his production company Toledo Productions to provide financial assistance to talented UK students from underrepresented backgrounds. He also served on the Board of Governors of the National Film and Television School.
Kenworthy has maintained a particularly close relationship with BAFTA. He joined the organization’s Film Committee in 1996, became chair from 2004 to 2006 and later served as vice president from 2009 to 2015. His contribution has been commemorated with a room named in his honor at BAFTA’s 195 Piccadilly headquarters.
BAFTA chair Sara Putt praised Kenworthy as
“one of the great champions of British film and filmmaking talent,”
while emphasizing his continued support for the next generation of screen professionals.
Kenworthy also shared his reaction to the honor, saying, “I’m delighted and honoured to be the recipient of the BAFTA Fellowship.” He added that spending his life working alongside talented and inspiring people made the recognition particularly meaningful.
The BAFTA Fellowship has previously been awarded to figures including Ridley Scott, Judi Dench, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Samantha Morton and Warwick Davis. Kenworthy will officially receive the honor on October 23, with Richard Curtis hosting the ceremony.