Lenny Henry will receive an award for outstanding achievement at next month’s Edinburgh TV Festival.
The celebrated comedian and actor will be recognized for a 50-year career “that has helped shape the landscape of British television and culture,” the fest said.
Henry has appeared in the likes of The Rings of Power, Broadchurch, The Syndicate, Chef! and The Witcher: The Blood Origin, as well as stage performances including The Comedy of Errors at The National, Fences at the Duchess Theatre and The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui at the Donmar Warehouse.
Beyond his on-screen achievements, he has been an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the industry, using his platform – and his television production company Esmerelda – to champion underrepresented voices.
Henry is also the co-founder of Comic Relief, which has raised more than £1B ($1.37B) for global causes since 1985, and he has established a centre for Media Diversity at Birmingham City University.
Henry said: “I’d like to thank the Edinburgh TV Festival and all who sail in her for this magnificent honour. I’m very humbled to receive it and will wear a kilt and go commando to celebrate. Excelsior. Big love.”
He will be celebrated at the 50th Edinburgh TV Festival alongside Shonda Rhimes, who is receiving an inaugural fellowship.
The fest has also announced nominees for its awards, which will be hosted by Nick Mohammed. The likes of Adolescence, Severance and Baby Reindeer are up for gongs.
