
British actor, writer and producer Idris Elba will receive a BAFTA Special Award for his creative contribution to television and his commitment to championing diversity and new talent in the industry.
The Special Award is one of the British Academy’s highest honors,
Elba’s film credits include “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” “Beasts of No Nation” and “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”
He founded production company Green Door Pictures in 2013 with a focus on inclusion, aligning with Film London, Creative Access and the MAMA Youth Project to provide on-the-job training and to help undiscovered talent find a way into the industry.
In 2016, Elba was named in Queen Elizabeth’s New Year’s Honors List and Time 100’s list of the Most Influential People in the World.
“It’s been a mission of mine to provide opportunity and access to emerging talent from diverse backgrounds in this industry, which is the same opportunity I received many years ago from open-minded and diversity-conscious casting,” he said.
Elba will receive the award at the British Academy Television Awards on July 31