“Decency Is a Superpower”: Donna Langley Receives BAFTA Fellowship, Touting Cinema’s Power to Help Us “See Each Other More Clearly”

Hollywood Reporter

by Georg Szalai

February 22, 2026

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Donna Langley, chair of NBCUniversal Entertainment and the first British woman to lead a major Hollywood studio, received the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship at the 2026 Film Awards in London. During her acceptance speech, Langley emphasized the power of cinema to unite people and foster understanding, calling decency “a superpower.” She highlighted the importance of supporting diverse talent, encouraging creative voices, and fostering resilience in an ever-changing industry. Langley’s remarks resonated with attendees, underscoring her commitment to inclusion and mentorship. Langley, who grew up on the Isle of Wight, shared how her upbringing shaped her philosophy on collaboration and embracing differences as strengths. She reflected on her career journey, noting that the most meaningful aspect of her work has been nurturing talent and advocating for creative projects that reflect diverse perspectives. Langley also stressed the importance of taking risks and shaping the future of the entertainment industry by championing new voices and ideas. The ceremony featured glowing tributes from notable figures in Hollywood, including Steven Spielberg, who praised Langley as a “peacemaker” and a steadfast advocate for movies’ enduring impact on audiences. Christopher Nolan described her as a visionary leader with a unique ability to balance creative insight with strategic leadership, while Judy Craymer, producer of *Mamma Mia!*, lauded her as an industry titan who champions British storytelling and fosters collaboration. BAFTA chair Sara Putt celebrated Langley’s transformative leadership and her role in bringing iconic films to global audiences. The Fellowship honor recognizes her dedication to advocating for acclaimed and emerging filmmakers, ensuring a slate of diverse

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/22/2026