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| Author | Zoe Aresti |
Curzon is to receive the BAFTA Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Cinema at next month's ceremony in London.
The chain and distributor has continued to provide the British public with unforgettable cinema experiences over the years, since 1934, when it opened its first venue in Mayfair.
The prestigious prize is presented annually in honour of Michael Balcon, the British film producer known for his work with Ealing Studios, and has previously been won by industry luminaries including Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jarman, Mary Selway, Ridley and Tony Scott and Tessa Ross and BBC Films. The Harry Potter series of films, as well as BBC Films, also appear on the list of previous winners.
After more than 80 years in business, the steadfast independent includes a nationwide network of fifteen cinemas, distribution label, Curzon Artificial Eye, and video-on-demand platform, Curzon Home Cinema.
Dame Pippa Harris, Chair of BAFTA’s Film Committee, said: “I am thrilled that BAFTA is honouring Curzon with the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award. For over 80 years, Curzon has provided the British public with unforgettable, cinema experiences, while championing independent, art house and foreign language film making. I would like to thank everyone at Curzon for their extraordinary contribution to our industry, and for their unwavering commitment to bringing the very best in film to audiences across the UK.”
Philip Knatchbull, CEO of Curzon, said: “I’m delighted that Curzon's contribution to film has been recognised by BAFTA. Curzon has a long and proud history in the British film industry and many talented and passionate people have contributed to its success story over the years. We think of ourselves as champions of bold and visionary filmmaking from around the world supported by our growing network of cinemas and home cinema digital platforms.”
Curzon will be presented the prize at the awards ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 12 February. For more information visit BAFTA.