Dame Helen Mirren, one of Britain’s greatest actresses is set for further recognition by the most prestige awards group in the country.

Honoured for a remarkable film career that has spanned forty years, the veteran will receive the BAFTA Fellowship at this year’s ceremony which takes place on February 16th.

She joins a long list of talented winners who have been honoured with the award including directors Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese as well as actors like Charlie Chaplin, Sean Connery, Judi Dench and Christopher Lee.

On the news, Mirren said:

“This is the greatest professional honour I can imagine, certainly one I never dreamt of as a schoolgirl in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex. To join that list of legendary names is overwhelming.”

BAFTA chairman John Willis also spoke about the recognition:

“Dame Helen Mirren receives the Fellowship as one of the most outstanding actresses of her generation. Dame Helen’s incredibly successful career is testament to the determination, dedication and skill she brings to each of her roles.”

The renowned Brit has won four BAFTAs in her prestigious career including three for her television role as Detective Jane Tennison in the hit crime series Prime Suspect and a film accolade for her Oscar-winning performance as Queen Elizabeth II in the historical biopic The Queen.

BAFTA certainly like a bit of old Helen!