Berry, 91, has enjoyed a television career spanning six decades since her debut in the 1970s, according to Bafta. Her role as a judge on The Great British Bake Off was described by Bafta as 'nothing short of transformative', shifting the genre towards warmth and encouragement. The organisation added that she inspired a national resurgence in home baking and established a new paradigm for competitive programming that champions craft and joy. Bafta noted that her approach 'shifted the genre towards a format rooted in warmth and encouragement', turning the show into a cultural phenomenon.
According to reports, Berry received her damehood in the 2020 Birthday Honours. She has said her proudest TV moment was filming with the Prince and Princess of Wales for A Berry Royal Christmas in 2019, calling it a highlight. Prince William described her as a 'true national treasure' in a video message for her 90th birthday, praising her warmth and expertise.
What an honour for a cook to receive the Bafta Fellowship. I couldn't believe it – for just doing what I love.
Jane Millichip, Bafta chief executive, praised Berry as 'a singular talent whose warmth, craft and generosity have helped shape the very best of British television'. Millichip noted that Berry has informed, inspired and entertained audiences for more than 60 years. 'The Bafta Fellowship is our highest honour, and we're proud to celebrate Mary's extraordinary contribution,' she said. Berry herself said she was honoured: 'What an honour for a cook to receive the Bafta Fellowship. I couldn't believe it – for just doing what I love.' She added, 'This amazing Bafta Fellowship is the icing on the cake,' and said she is 'still learning' after more than 50 years on television.
It is not yet known whether Berry will attend the ceremony in person, and the full list of other major award recipients has not been announced. Berry has been involved in numerous television programmes beyond her iconic role on The Great British Bake Off, though the Bafta announcement focused on that show.
in recognition of an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, games or television
one of the UK's most beloved broadcasters
nothing short of transformative
By shifting the genre towards a format rooted in warmth and encouragement, she inspired a national resurgence in home baking and established a new paradigm for competitive programming, one that champions craft and joy
I couldn't believe it was true, what a huge honour to be presented with the Bafta Fellowship.
For over 50 years, I have enjoyed every moment of teaching my passion on television and I thank all the generous professionals along the way who have given me guidance and support – and I am still learning.
This amazing Bafta Fellowship is the icing on the cake.
They put their whole heart into making roulades and achieved great things, with a lot of laughter.
true national treasure
Dame Mary Berry is a singular talent whose warmth, craft and generosity have helped shape the very best of British television.
Mary Berry for more than 60 years has informed, inspired and entertained audiences, setting a new benchmark for factual entertainment, proving that expertise and empathy can draw huge audiences in primetime.
The Bafta Fellowship is our highest honour, and we're proud to celebrate Mary's extraordinary contribution.