Noel Clarke is to receive the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at this year's BAFTA Film Awards.

Clarke, known for writing and starring in the acclaimed British film trilogy comprising Kidulthood (2006), Adulthood (2008), and Brotherhood (2016), follows in the footsteps of previous recipients including Andy Serkis, John Hurt, and Ridley and Tony Scott.

Clarke also directed the final two films in the trilogy. On TV, his numerous credits include portraying popular Doctor Who companion Mickey Smith between 2005 and 2010, and co-creating and starring in the hit police procedural Bulletproof, which has recently been renewed for a third season.

Clarke said in a statement: "Thank you BAFTA for this acknowledgment and recognition of my work over the past two decades. I will endeavor to continue to make ground-breaking work and open doors for underrepresented people that may not often get a chance."

Marc Samuelson, Chair of BAFTA’s Film Committee, added: “Noel is an inspiration to me and to many others, for his central and much-needed role in supporting and championing diverse voices in the British film industry. He is a multi-hyphenate who early on in his career has managed successfully to cross the line from respected actor to filmmaker. He truly is able to do it all — acting, writing, directing and producing. His authentic portrayal of London life in his critically acclaimed Hood trilogy cemented his place in British cinema and he continues to push boundaries with his work today."

Samuelson added: "He is now building a hugely successful production company, giving opportunities to a wide range of talented people from many different under-represented groups. I cannot think of a more deserving recipient for this year’s award."

Clarke has also held the British film industry accountable for its lack of diversity. Last year he tweeted a photo of the poster for 2019 British comedy film Fishermen's Friends, in which he, the only Black actor with the above-the-title billing, was also the only actor not pictured.

"And I’ll just leave this here," Clarke wrote. "And not one of these other actors spoke up for me and the fact I was not on here, being as well known as most of them."

Clarke, who previously won the BAFTA Rising Star award in 2009, will collect his award in person at this year's BAFTA Film Awards, which take place over two nights on April 10 and 11.

Do you have a favorite Noel Clarke role or moment?