"For someone who was told in 1959 that they would never make it in the film industry I feel incredibly surprised and privileged to be receiving this Fellowship from the BFI," contactmusic.com quoted her as saying.
The 76-year-old was awarded the prize in recognition of her contribution to cinema and television.
Dench follows in the footsteps of previous recipients including Clint Eastwood, Sir Ridley Scott and last year's winner, director Danny Boyle.
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