Amidst this Awards Season's unprecedented furore surrounding the lack of diversity on display in the prominent shortlists, it couldn't have been more timely that this year's recipient of the BAFTA Fellowship Award was the mould-breaking Sidney Poitier.
Read the complete list of BAFTA Film Awards Winners
Mr Poitier was not well enough to travel to London for the BAFTA ceremony, so he was presented with the award on video by Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx.
Sidney Poitier's career has endured an awe-inspiring six decades
The screen legend was the first African-American actor to win an Oscar for his role in 'Lilies of the Field' in 1964. While his success on screen has made him one of the world's most popular stars, off-screen he has also worked as a director, activist, author and tireless humanitarian.
Receiving his award, he said:
"I'm sorry I'm unable to be there with you in London, because I hold a very special place in my heart for your great city.
"I've been honoured by the Queen and have had the privilege of being recognised by BAFTA on a few previous occasions, but today my cup runneth over, because I'm here with my daughter and future filmmakers of the world, in celebration of this wonderful art form - moving pictures - that have brought me tremendous joy.
"To the wonderful courageous filmmakers of the world, I thank you for being part of bringing me to this moment and to my family, my life force, I am nothing without you, and to all of you, thank you for your warm embrace and this extraordinary moment, and memory, I shall cherish always."
Stars on both sides of the Atlantic paid tribute to Sidney Poitier's great influence. Oprah Winfrey told the audience, "Sidney Poitier is the great example of what it means to live your life with integrity and power and grace," while British director Noel Clarke added, "Sidney's importance to the industry should never be underestimated or overlooked.
"We have a voice, and we have a voice because of people like Sidney Poitier."
BAFTA 2016 Red Carpet
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(01 of64)
Actor Leonardo Di Caprio poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(02 of64)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Julianne Moore attends the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(03 of64)
Actress Cate Blanchett poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Jonathan Short/Invision/AP) (credit:Jonathan Short/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(04 of64)
Presenter Laura Whitmore poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(05 of64)
Presenter Laura Whitmore poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(06 of64)
Presenter Sarah-Jane Crawford poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(07 of64)
Presenter Sarah-Jane Crawford poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(08 of64)
Actress Olga Kurylenko poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(09 of64)
Actress Olga Kurylenko poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(10 of64)
Actress Saoirse Ronan poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(11 of64)
Actress Annabel Wallace poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(12 of64)
Actress Annabel Wallace poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(13 of64)
Actress Annabel Wallace poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(14 of64)
poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Jonathan Short/Invision/AP) (credit:Jonathan Short/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(15 of64)
Actress Cate Blanchett poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Jonathan Short/Invision/AP) (credit:Jonathan Short/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(16 of64)
Actor John Boyega poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Jonathan Short/Invision/AP) (credit:Jonathan Short/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(17 of64)
Actor John Boyega poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(18 of64)
Actress Laura Haddock poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(19 of64)
Actor Matt Smith poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(20 of64)
Actor Matt Smith poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(21 of64)
Actress Alicia Vikander poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Jonathan Short/Invision/AP) (credit:Jonathan Short/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(22 of64)
Actress Laura Haddock poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(23 of64)
Actress Laura Haddock poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
EE British Academy Film Awards - Red Carpet Arrivals(24 of64)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Angela Bassett attends the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Gavan via Getty Images)
BAFTA Film Awards 2016 - Arrivals - London(25 of64)
Julie Walters attending the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London.EMPICS Entertainment Photo. Picture date: Sunday February 14, 2016. Photo credit should read: Doug Peters/ EMPICS Entertainment (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
BAFTA Film Awards 2016 - Arrivals - London(26 of64)
Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw attending the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday February 14, 2016. See PA Story SHOWBIZ Baftas. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire (credit:Yui Mok/PA Wire)
BAFTA Film Awards 2016 - Arrivals - London(27 of64)
Jack O'Connell attending the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London.EMPICS Entertainment Photo. Picture date: Sunday February 14, 2016. Photo credit should read: Doug Peters/ EMPICS Entertainment (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
BAFTA Film Awards 2016 - Arrivals - London(28 of64)
Benicio del Toro attending the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London.EMPICS Entertainment Photo. Picture date: Sunday February 14, 2016. Photo credit should read: Doug Peters/ EMPICS Entertainment (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
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Valentino arriving at the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House, London, Britain on 14 Feb 2016.
Valentino arriving at the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House, London, Britain on 14 Feb 2016.
Pictured: ValentinoRef: SPL1227538 140216
Picture by: Jon Furniss / Corbis
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Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(30 of64)
Actress Gemma Chan poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(31 of64)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Sacha Baron Cohen (L) and Isla Fisher attend the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(32 of64)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Antonia Thomas attends the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(33 of64)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Jack Whitehall attends the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(34 of64)
Actress Rebel Wilson poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(35 of64)
Actress Emilia Clarke poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(36 of64)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Julianne Moore attends the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
BAFTA Film Awards 2016 - Arrivals - London(37 of64)
Mark Ruffalo and Sunrise Coigney attending the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday February 14, 2016. See PA Story SHOWBIZ Baftas. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire (credit:Yui Mok/PA Wire)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(38 of64)
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EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(39 of64)
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EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(40 of64)
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EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(41 of64)
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EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(42 of64)
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EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(43 of64)
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EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(44 of64)
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EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(45 of64)
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EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(46 of64)
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Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(47 of64)
Actress Dakota Johnson poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(48 of64)
Actress Dakota Johnson poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(49 of64)
Actor Leonardo Di Caprio, left, and director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(50 of64)
Actor Leonardo Di Caprio poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(51 of64)
Actor Leonardo Di Caprio poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Jonathan Short/Invision/AP) (credit:Jonathan Short/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(52 of64)
Actor Cuba Gooding Jr poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(53 of64)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Matt Damon (R) and Luciana Barroso attend the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(54 of64)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Stanley Tucci (L) and Felicity Blunt attend the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(55 of64)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Gwendoline Christie attends the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(56 of64)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Hannah Bagshawe (L) and Eddie Redmayne attend the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(57 of64)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Eddie Redmayne attends the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(58 of64)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Luciana Barroso (L) and Matt Damon attend the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(59 of64)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Idris Elba attends the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(60 of64)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Eddie Izzard attends the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
BAFTA Film Awards 2016 - Arrivals - London(61 of64)
Stefanie Powers attending the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London.EMPICS Entertainment Photo. Picture date: Sunday February 14, 2016. Photo credit should read: Doug Peters/ EMPICS Entertainment (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
BAFTA Film Awards 2016 - Arrivals - London(62 of64)
Zoe Ball attending the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London.EMPICS Entertainment Photo. Picture date: Sunday February 14, 2016. Photo credit should read: Doug Peters/ EMPICS Entertainment (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
MANDATORY BYLINE: Jon Furniss / Corbis
Domhnall Gleeson arriving at the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House, London, Britain on 14 Feb 2016.
Domhnall Gleeson arriving at the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House, London, Britain on 14 Feb 2016.
Pictured: Matt DamonRef: SPL1227564 140216
Picture by: Jon Furniss /
(credit:Jon Furniss / Corbis)
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Domhnall Gleeson arriving at the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House, London, Britain on 14 Feb 2016.
Domhnall Gleeson arriving at the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House, London, Britain on 14 Feb 2016.
Pictured: Eddie RedmayneRef: SPL1227564 140216
Picture by: Jon Furnis
(credit:Jon Furniss / Corbis)