2022 Virgin Media British Academy TV Awards to Honor Sir Billy Connolly

May 3, 2022 Jamie Stalcup Top Stories

Award-winning comedian, actor, artist, writer, musician and presenter Sir Billy Connolly will be honored at the 2022 Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards on May 8 with the BAFTA Fellowship.

The Fellowship is the highest accolade given out by BAFTA, recognizing an individual’s outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, television or games. Fellows previously honored are Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, Jon Snow, Sir Bruce Forsyth, Joanna Lumley, Melvyn Bragg, Michael Palin, Sir Trevor MacDonald, Sir David Attenborough, Dame Julie Walters, Ray Galton, Alan Simpson, Katie Adie and Joan Bakewell.

Connolly’s first BAFTA recognition was in 1995, when he won the BAFTA Scotland Entertainment category for Billy Connolly’s World Tour of Scotland. Since then, he has received five BAFTA nominations and was presented with the BAFTA Special Award in 2002 and the BAFTA Scotland Outstanding Contribution to Television and Film in 2012.

Connolly currently resides in the U.S. and will be unable to attend the ceremony on May 8 to receive the award in person, but a recorded acceptance message will be played during the ceremony.

“I am deeply honored,” Connolly said. “Fifty films and… I can’t remember how many TV shows—as well as my stage comedy—added up to something that’s a joy to look back on. A lovely thing. I have no regrets at all. I had no idea the Fellowship existed, but I’m told it’s a big deal! [Laughs] It’s lovely to be recognized and to become a jolly good fellow.”

Emma Baehr, executive director of awards and content for BAFTA, said, “We’re honored to be awarding Sir Billy Connolly with the 2022 BAFTA Fellowship Award. He has made a remarkable contribution to our industry from his first appearance on Parkinson in 1975, through to becoming a national treasure on stage and screen, adored by fans around the world. BAFTA is looking forward to celebrating this award with Sir Billy in due course and thanking him again for his phenomenal career in television.”