Simon Cowell To Receive Special BAFTA Award

Simon Cowell To Receive Special BAFTA Award

Simon Cowell, known in the United States for his role in bringing ‘American Idol’ to television, will be honored in his home, the United Kingdom, with a special award. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) will honor Cowell for his work, especially “his development of new talent.” In the U.K., Cowell has worked on similar amateur talent shows such as ‘Pop Idol,’ ‘The X Factor’ and ‘Britain’s Got Talent.’ Now, Cowell joins the ranks of famous Britons like Jane Tranter, Paul Watson, Paul Greengrass, Adam Curtis and Andy Harries when he receives the award on June 6. “The Academy is delighted to be presenting Simon Cowell with this Special Award,” BAFTA Television Committee Chair John Willis said. “Over the past few years he has not only helped change the entertainment landscape but has re-invented Saturday night family entertainment. His shows enable exciting new talent to shine and are the most talked-about programmes on British television. He is quite simply one of the most brilliant entertainment producers of our time.”