One of the most beloved Star Wars actors in the business is going to be receiving an incredibly prestigious award. Warwick Davis will be given the BAFTA Fellowship from the British Academy during the awards show on February 16.
Reported by Variety, this award is for individuals who have gone above and beyond in their contributions in television, games, and movies. Davis absolutely fits this description.
At a young age, he was diagnosed with a rare form of dwarfism called spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita. In turn, he's become one of the most vocal people in advocating for people with this or similar conditions to live full lives. He began the Reduce Height Theatre Company and the Willow Management agency to help people who are under five feet tall build careers in the industry. Willow Management also provides for people over seven feet tall. Co-founding Little People UK, Davis provides support for people with dwarfism and their families.
About receiving the award, Davis said:
"The Fellowship, to me, embodies the spirit of inclusivity, creativity, and collaboration that BAFTA stands for. This recognition is not just about the body of work I’ve contributed but also about the people who’ve stood by me and the audiences who have made this journey worthwhile. 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"Warwick Davis
Davis first began acting in a little movie called Return of the Jedi. He was 11 years old, portraying the role of Wicket W. Warrick. This would not be his last Star Wars role. In The Phantom Menace, he played a thief named Weazel, a role he would reprise in Solo: A Star Wars Story. In the latter film, Weazel has turned into a freedom fighter, part of Enfys Nest's Cloud-Riders. Maybe one day we'll get that story of how and why Weazel redeemed himself. Davis played a variety of characters in the sequel trilogy as well as provided the voice of Rukh in Star Wars Rebels.
Sara Putt, the BAFTA chair, said about Davis, "Warwick is a talented, much loved and truly inspiring figure who has captivated audiences over many decades. 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 been profoundly influential in fostering a more inclusive and caring society.”
The BAFTA Awards are on February 16 and will be hosted by another familiar Star Wars face, David Tennant.