Harry Potter Franchise to be Honored at BAFTA Ceremony

The Harry Potter franchise will be honored at the upcoming British Academy Film Awards, Britain's equivalent of the Academy Awards.

Author J.K. Rowling and producer David Heyman will receive the award for outstanding British contribution to cinema on behalf of the film series.

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"As this great British film success story draws to a close with this year's eagerly anticipated final installment, it's fitting that BAFTA honors the Harry Potter films and their contribution to the British film industry," BAFTA film committee chairwoman Finola Dwyer said.

Based on the popular book series, Harry Potter hit theatres in 2001. The first six films in the series have grossed more than $5.4 billion worldwide, making it the top-grossing film franchise of all time. The final installment, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, is scheduled to be released on July 15.

The BAFTAs will be handed out Feb. 13 at the Royal Opera House in London.