The creator of Mario and Zelda will join the likes of Alfred Hitchcock and Steven Spielberg
Next month, Shigeru Miyamoto will receive the highest honour that the British Academy of Film and Television Arts can bestow, the BAFTA Fellowship. On the prospect of being an "Academy Fellow", Miyamoto said he is "very grateful to be able to receive such an honourable award."
However, he admitted he couldnt take all the credit for the wonderful games Nintendo has churned out over the years. "Our video games cannot be created by one person; since Donkey Kong until the most recent New Super Mario Bros. Wii, I have been working closely with a number of friends for three decades in order to develop fun and enjoyable games. I would like to receive this honourable award on behalf of all of these dependable colleagues."
The Chairman of the Academy, David Parfitt, added that he, too, is honoured that Miyamoto will be accepting the award. "It is only fitting that Miyamoto be recognised alongside… other pioneers for his groundbreaking work. He helped to develop an entire creative industry and is still a major force in its continuing success."
The event, which will take place on March 19, will be part of the BAFTA Video Game Awards, recognising outstanding games of 2009 under several categories. Below are the Nintendo (and Nintendo-exclusive) games nominated for awards.
Family & Social
New Super Mario. Bros Wii, Wii Sports Resort
Gameplay
New Super Mario Bros. Wii
Handheld
Mario and Luigi: Bowsers Inside Story, Professor Layton and Pandoras Box, Scribblenauts
Sports
Wii Fit Plus, Wii Sports Resort
GAME Award of 2009
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, Wii Sports Resort
