Saturday Night Live to be honoured by Bafta

Saturday Night Live will receive a special award in the annual Bafta honours for the show’s influence on comedy.

The sketch show has been broadcast since 1975 and will be recognised for launching the careers of countless comedians.

Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy and John Belushi have all starred on the NBC programme in its four-decade history. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts will present a Special Award to the creator of the show, Lorne Michaels.

Amanda Berry, chief executive of Bafta, said: “Saturday Night Live has discovered, and celebrated generations of comedy talents. We are delighted to be presentingthishugelypopular show with a Special Award, one of the Academy’s highest honours.”

Downton Abbey and the Monty Python team were recent recipients of the Bafta Special Award.