04/12/2013 - Cinema legend Sir Run Run Shaw receives BAFTA Special Award

Sir Run Run Shaw

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced four scholarships: Two to UK nationals to study a postgraduate course in film, television or games in Hong Kong; each scholarship will provide up to £10,000 towards a year’s course fees, a £10,000 bursary for living expenses, the support of an industry mentor, and free access to BAFTA events. Two more scholarships will be available for permanent residents of Hong Kong to study at an industry-recognised UK institution; the students will receive the same benefits as UK scholarship recipients, but with up to £20,000 towards one year’s course fees. Applications will open in spring 2014.

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BAFTA also presented a Special Award to Sir Run Run Shaw CBE, founder of Shaw Studios, in recognition of his contribution to cinema. The Shaw Brothers produced over 1,000 films, acquired and developed cinemas around the world, and invested in a number of co-productions. At 106, Sir Run Run Shaw is the oldest recipient of a BAFTA award.

Amanda Berry, CEO of BAFTA, said: “We are excited to be expanding our successful scholarship programme to Hong Kong residents, and to be giving UK nationals the chance to learn from their colleagues in Asia. It is wonderful that, at a time when we are supporting the future of our industries through cross-cultural collaboration, we can also celebrate our historic links with the region through Sir Run Run Shaw, whose own generous donation in the late 1970s helped BAFTA grow into the organisation it is today. At the time BAFTA paid tribute to his generosity by naming a theatre at our London headquarters in his honour, which still bears his name.”