The arts charity’s most prestigious honour will be presented on , recognising her efforts in creating various era-defining soundtracks, including the Kingdom Hearts series, Final Fantasy XV, Mario & Luigi, Xenoblade Chronicles, Streets of Rage, the Mana series, Super Mario RPG, Live A Live, Radiant Historia, Parasite Eve, Breather of Fire, and Street Fighter II.

“I am who I am today thanks to all the people who have supported me, allowing me to continue being involved with the music that I love and discovering the medium of games where that music can flourish,” said Shimomura, now a freelance composer after previous stints with Capcom, Square Enix, and other companies.

The musician’s well-earned accolade is particularly significant, representing a rare break in a mould traditionally dominated by men — a feat BAFTA CEO Jane Millichip highlighted in a statement:

“A pioneer of video game music, pianist and composer, Yoko has created unforgettable soundtracks for so many beloved games and paved the way for women in the industry at a time when it was overwhelmingly male-dominated. Her groundbreaking work has already inspired countless artists and will continue to resonate for generations.”

Shimomura joins fellow industry veterans Shuhei Yoshida, former president of Sony Interactive Entertainment, Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima, and Shigeru Miyamoto, of Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda fame, on the BAFTA Fellowship list, which recognises those who have made an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, games or television. Other notable names include Warwick Davis, Judi Dench, Vanessa Redgrave, Martin Scorsese, John Carmack, Peter Molyneux, Thelma Schoonmaker, and more.