Sara Putt: Good evening, and a very warm welcome to the BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises.
There is no doubt that 2024 was a standout TV year creatively, with 134 brilliant programmes nominated by BAFTA members out of more than 600 programmes entered. The quality of the nominations is extraordinary, and it’s a privilege to be showcasing the work of our incredibly talented nominees.
The drama of sport, the truth of fiction, the humanity of documentary, the poignancy of comedy – this year’s nominees reflect every aspect of the human condition.
I am personally delighted that more women directors were nominated in this year’s TV Craft Awards. Congratulations to Weronika Tofilska and Janet Fraser Cook, who won BAFTAs for Directing Fiction and Multi Camera respectively.
There is of course still work to do to create real gender equality, as there is around disability representation. The talent is there; we need to create access to the pipelines that recognise, support, and highlight that talent.
No doubt the industry is changing, and that means new challenges and new opportunities.
Part of BAFTA’s role is to help people navigate their way through this challenging landscape. We do this with our talent accelerator programmes, and by providing connection and belonging through our networking events, and our BAFTA community.
It’s about embracing change, helping people to adapt and innovate. And, who knows? We may well see a whole new generation of TV professionals with skills we can’t even imagine yet.
I’m also delighted that ITV has been awarded the prestigious BAFTA Television Special Award for their courage and determination in commissioning Mr Bates vs The Post Office. This is public service television at its best and shows the power of TV to change hearts and minds.
In fact, we are all here because we understand and believe in the power of TV.
One of BAFTA’s proudest achievements is BAFTA Albert, which for 14 years has worked with the industry collaboratively to reduce the environmental impact of TV production.
Four years ago, at COP 26, broadcasters united in a commitment to create content to help audiences navigate the climate crisis.
Last year, BBC research suggested that over 21 million people believe BBC climate content has improved their understanding of environmental issues. Channel 4’s Joe Lycett versus Sewage prompted more than 40 thousand people to write to their water companies demanding change.
Television programmes do have an impact, so let’s continue to come up with ever more creative ways of bringing climate storytelling to our screens.
Next month, BAFTA will be launching Green Light, a new season of debates, conversations and screenings which will provide insight and inspiration – and we’d love your support in taking our collective commitment on sustainability to new heights. I would also like to say a belated Happy Birthday to Sir David Attenborough, who has led the way in bringing the fight against climate change to every household both in the UK and globally.
From one BAFTA Fellow to another – tonight we’re honouring Kirsty Wark with the BAFTA Fellowship for her exceptional contribution to television. Kirsty is one of the UK’s most formidable and versatile journalists. She also has a humanity and honesty that shine through everything she does. She is simply the best.
Before I close, I want to thank Jane Millichip, BAFTA’s amazing CEO, and the whole BAFTA team. Hilary Rosen, BAFTA’s wonderful TV Committee Chair, and all the TV Committee members who volunteer their time and expertise to BAFTA.
And of course, our generous donors and partners, who make tonight possible, including P&O Cruises, Samsung, Champagne Taittinger, Lancôme, Schwarzkopf Professional, and Sea Containers London.
And finally, to you our nominees – congratulations and the best of luck. We hope you have a wonderful evening.
OK, it’s time to start the show. We begin not here in the Royal Festival Hall however but in the Scottish Highlands – where our host Alan Cumming is about to receive a mysterious summons to the Traitors Turret…
