The British Film Institute (BFI) is honouring James Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli with BFI Fellowships – the highest honour bestowed by the BFI – as the film franchise celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.
US-born Wilson and Broccoli have overseen the Bond franchise for nearly 30 years. The half-siblings head Eon Productions, and have together produced nine of the total 25 Bond films, starting with Goldeneye in 1995. Wilson was screenwriter on five films in the 1980s (with Richard Maibaum) and producer of three Bonds with his stepfather and original Bond producer – and Broccoli’s father – Albert R Broccoli.
Outside of the Bond franchise, they have also produced and executive produced a range of titles including Tom Fisher’s Radiator, Corinna McFarlane’s The Silent Storm, Paul McGuigan’s Film Stars Don’t Die In Liverpool, Nancy from debut filmmaker Christina Choe and Reed Morano’s The Rhythm Section.
Broccoli was also executive producer on debbie tucker green’s ear for eye and a producer on Till, an upcoming American biographical drama film co-written and directed by Chinonye Chukwu.
In the 2022 New Year’s Honours List, they were both awarded a CBE for services to film, drama, philanthropy and skills. Their support for the industry includes Broccoli’s roles as vice president for film for Bafta, president of the National Youth Theatre, director of Time’s Up UK and a trustee of Into Film, a film education charity. Broccoli also chaired the UK Film Skills Task Force, working with the BFI to create opportunities for young trainees from underrepresented backgrounds to get paid traineeships on major productions.
Wilson and Broccoli also co-founded the London Screen Academy, a free sixth form academy for 16-19 year olds who wish to pursue careers in the film and television industries.
The fellowships will be presented to Wilson and Broccoli at the BFI chair’s dinner, hosted by BFI chair Tim Richards, on June 28 in London.
The BFI will be marking the Bond franchise’s anniversary year with a special James Bond 60th celebration weekend of screenings and events in London at BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX on October 1-2.
“With amazing insight and vision Michael and Barbara have not only re-invented Bond for today’s audiences, but No Time To Die arrived at exactly the right moment to welcome those audiences back to the big screen experience as never before.,” said Richards. “As equally, if not more, important is their commitment to our industry away from the spotlight, where they work tirelessly to open doors for others by playing a huge part in educating, supporting and inspiring the next generation of filmmakers.”
In a joint statement, Wilson and Broccoli said: “We are so proud to be awarded the BFI Fellowship on behalf of all of those who have been a part of the James Bond series over 60 years and feel honoured to join such an esteemed group of distinguished industry fellows. We are very grateful to so many members of the British film industry who we have worked with over the course of our careers and thank the BFI for their tremendous support and leadership for the creative industries in the UK.”
Former recipients include Martin Scorsese, Thelma Schoonmaker, Tilda Swinton, Orson Welles, Ridley Scott, Judi Dench and Steve McQueen.
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