BAFTA 2025: Warwick Davis chokes up during acceptance speech, pays emotional tribute to late wife upon receiving BAFTA Fellowship

British actor Warwick Davis delivered a heartfelt and emotional speech at the BAFTA 2025 Film Awards as he accepted the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship, the highest honor awarded by the British Academy.

The 55-year-old actor, known for his roles in Willow and the Harry Potter series, was introduced by his Harry Potter co-star Tom Felton, who praised Davis for the impact he had on his own life and career.

Taking the stage, Davis opened with humor, saying, “Wow, thank you so much. Well, this is probably the best thing that’s ever happened to me—and I’ve been in Star Wars,” drawing laughter from the audience.

However, the moment turned deeply emotional as Davis dedicated the award to his late wife, Samantha, who passed away in March 2024. He called her his biggest supporter, saying, “She was always so supportive of my career and encouraged me to grab every opportunity with both hands.”

He also expressed gratitude to his children, Harrison and Annabelle, for helping him navigate life after his loss. Holding back tears, he thanked Conclave star Ralph Fiennes for teaching him to “laugh and love again.”



In a statement issued ahead of the ceremony, Davis said he was accepting the fellowship “in honor of everyone living with dwarfism or any form of difference, reminding us that our uniqueness can be our greatest asset.”

He also pledged to continue advocating for representation and fresh perspectives in the film industry, adding, “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.”



Davis now joins the ranks of legendary BAFTA Fellowship recipients, including Dame Judi Dench, Dame Maggie Smith, and Martin Scorsese.