DONNA Langley, chair of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, has been named a Dame for services to film and entertainment.

Dame Langley, 51, who went to Lake Middle School and Carisbrooke High School, was the first British woman to head a major film studio.

She was given the honour in the annual Queen’s honours list for 2020. The title is the second most senior among Britain’s orders of chivalry.

In the announcement, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth office cited Langley’s accomplishment, including being “responsible for the global content strategy and business operations for the motion picture group,” and overseeing production, distribution and marketing for Universal Pictures, DreamWorks animation and Focus Features.

It said: “Throughout her life and career, Donna Langley has redefined global popular culture and sought to expand networks and opportunities for women and people of colour in the entertainment industry, while also championing organisations dedicated to providing access, networks and pathways to success, for all people."

Langley has been with Universal since 2001, and became chair of the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group earlier this year.

Her parents, Ann and John, live in Newport.

Ann said: "We are very proud. She told me a few hours before the announcement and swore me to secrecy.

"When I saw it on the news, I knew I was OK to tell people.

"Donna works in Hollywood and doesn't very often come back to the Island, and we do not travel that far any more.

"She has such a busy job and she's in meetings all the time but she absolutely loves it.

"She always describes the Island, where she grew up, as a magical place to live."

Dame Langley arrived in Los Angeles with no credentials or connections, and rose to become a major Hollywood movie executive.

Franchises Dame Langley presided over during her tenure at the studio include Fast and Furious, Jurassic World, the Bourne series, Pitch Perfect, Illumination’s Despicable Me as well as Fifty Shades and Mamma Mia. 

Additional commercial and critical hit titles also include Downton Abbey, Us, Green Book, Get Out, Girls Trip, Straight Outta Compton, Darkest Hour, The Danish Girl, Les Misérables, The Theory of Everything, among others. 

She is married with two children.