Harry Potter films awarded Outstanding Contribution BAFTA

The hugely successful film franchise is to be honoured for its contribution to British cinema at this year's BAFTAs

They've sold-out in cinemas worldwide and scored box office records aplenty, so we know the Harry Potter films are popular with the fans - but now the franchise is to receive one of the highest industry accolades going...

SEE HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS FILM STILLS HERE!

The movie series is to be honoured with the coveted Outstanding Contribution to British Cinema award at this year's BAFTAs.

And for the cast and crew, we can imagine it's felt like a long time coming - the series has never won any major film awards within its ten-year history.

'I am thrilled that the Harry Potter series is being honuored with this award,' said Daniel Radcliffe.

'I have loved every minute of making these films and to me the real heroes are the crew and the huge team of craftsmen that have made all eight of them possible - this award is a testament to their incredible work.'

Since Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone first hit our screens back in 2001, the films have grossed an incredible estimated £3.3 billion worldwide, as well as catapulting leading trio Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint to unprecedented levels of fame.

Author JK Rowlling and producer David Heyman will take to the stage to accept the prize during the star-studded BAFTA ceremony on 13th Feburary.

The final installment, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two, is set for release on 15th July.

Congratulations!

SEE HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS FILM STILLS HERE!

SEE ALL THE NOMINEES FOR THE 2011 BAFTAS EMMA WATSON'S STYLE HISTORY