Dame Janet Smith is currently reviewing the culture and practices of the BBC following the Jimmy Savile scandal.

BBC: Stuart Hall: More alleged victims to sue over abuse

She beat Dame Maggie Smith into second place while Michael Caine came third and former Bond Sean Connery was voted fourth.

BBC: David Attenborough voted best of British by magazine

Previous recipients of the BFI Fellowship include Lord Attenborough, Sir Michael Caine, Clint Eastwood, Bernardo Bertolucci, Martin Scorsese and Dame Maggie Smith.

BBC: Ralph Fiennes and David Cronenberg to get BFI honour