British director David Yates, known for his work in the “Harry Potter” universe, will be honored with the Icon Award of the Raindance Film Festival in London (Icon Award) in 2023.

Yates won the first British Academy Film Award – BAFTA for his miniseries BBC ‘The Way We Live Now’ (2002) and the British Directors Award for “State of Play” (2003).

In 2004, Yates directed the film ‘Sex Traffic’ winning another BAFTA. He then directed the last four films in the Harry Potter film series, ending with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.

In 2016, he directed the action adventure The Legend of Tarzan and then returned to the wizarding world of J.J. K. Rowling with the film “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” in the same year. It was followed by the films “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” in 2018 and “The Secrets of Dumbledore” in 2022.

Alongside his directing work, David Yates supports emerging writers and directors, with funding for The Bush Theater in London and an annual scholarship for the UK’s National Film and Television School. In addition he is one of the supporters of The Watersprite Film Festival in Cambridge.

In previous years, the Raindance Festival has honored, among others, Vanessa Redgrave, Jonathan Pryce, Michael Caine, Olivia Colman, Jude Law and Guy Ritchie.

David Yates said, according to Variety: “The Raindance Festival has been part of our cinematic landscape for more than 30 years, championing and showcasing the work of emerging writers, producers and directors from around the world. It is an honor to receive the Raindance Icon Award as we honor and enjoy the work of a new generation of storytellers.”

The director will be presented with the award at the Festival’s opening gala on October 25. The 31st edition of the Raindance Festival (October 25-November 4) will open with the UK premiere of British actor Jack Huston’s directorial debut ‘Day of the Fight’ and close with the UK premiere of Isabel Coixe’s ‘Un Amor’ Kingdom.