In recognition of his contributions to British cinema, Noel Clarke is set to receive the Outstanding British Contribution To Cinema honorary award at this year’s BAFTA Film Awards.
Clarke, a multi-talented individual with impressive credits as an actor, producer, writer, and director, will be given the award during the BAFTA Film Awards Opening Night ceremony on Saturday, 10 April.
Sci-fans will know him from his role as Mickey in Doctor Who, but his journey in the acting industry started with a bang when he won the Laurence Olivier Award for ‘Most Promising Newcomer’ following his performance in the play “Where Do We Live” at the Royal Court. Clarke then transitioned successfully to the big screen with the popular Hood trilogy. The series comprises “Kidulthood” (2006), “Adulthood” (2008), and “Brotherhood” (2016), the latter two of which Clarke directed. The trilogy was a commercial success at the UK box office. In recognition of his rising status, Clarke was also awarded the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2009.
Beyond his acting and directing capabilities, Clarke is also an astute businessperson. He co-founded his production company, Unstoppable Entertainment, alongside Jason Maza and launched a TV wing backed by All3Media. The company’s Sky series “Bulletproof,” in which Clarke stars alongside Ashley Walters, has aired three seasons and has been renewed for a fourth.
Unstoppable has produced over ten feature films, including Jessica Hynes’ directorial debut “The Fight” and “10×10,” directed by Suzi Ewing and starring Luke Evans and Kelly Reilly.
Clarke’s additional onscreen credits include J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek Into Darkness,” “Dr. Who,” and “Auf, Wiedershen, Pet.”
Clarke expressed his gratitude and dedication to continue his groundbreaking work, saying, “Thank you, BAFTA for this acknowledgment and recognition of my work over the past two decades. I will endeavour to continue to make groundbreaking work and open doors for underrepresented people that may not often get a chance.”
Marc Samuelson, Chair of BAFTA’s Film Committee, praised Clarke, stating, “Noel is an inspiration to me and to many others, for his central and much-needed role in supporting and championing diverse voices in the British film industry.” He further highlighted Clarke’s versatility and influential role in the British film industry, noting his successful transition from a respected actor to a filmmaker and his efforts to provide opportunities to a broad range of talented individuals from underrepresented groups.
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