'Harry Potter' series to get British film honor

[February 04, 2011]  LONDON (AP) -- Britain's film academy is honoring the "Harry Potter" franchise for working its magic on the country's movie industry.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is giving the series an award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema.

The films based on J.K. Rowling's books about a boy wizard are a global hit, with the first six installments earning more than $5.4 billion around the world.

The eighth and final episode, "Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2," is due for release this year.

Daniel Radcliffe, who played the young wizard, says the award is a testament to the "incredible work" of the films' crew and craftspeople.

The academy said Thursday that Rowling and producer David Heyman will accept the award at a ceremony on Feb. 13.

[Associated Press]

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