The Award is being presented to Steven Moffat in recognition of his outstanding creative writing contribution to television. Previous recipients include Russell T Davies, Paul Abbott, Alan Plater and Lynda La Plante.
Tim Corrie, Chairman of BAFTA, said: “Steven has had an outstanding year with Doctor Who and Sherlock, not to mention the feature film The Adventures of Tintin, and we are delighted to honour his contribution to television and the arts at the BAFTA ceremony on 27 May. He is one of the finest exponents of his craft and his Award, presented in honour of the late, great Dennis Potter, is very well deserved indeed.”
From his first scripted drama Press Gang in 1989, for which he won his first BAFTA, Moffat’s vast body of work includes titles such as Stay Lucky, Joking Apart, Murder Most Horrid, Chalk, Jekyll and Coupling. In 2008, it was announced that he would become head writer and executive producer of Doctor Who and was instrumental in the casting of the 11th Doctor, Matt Smith. In collaboration with Mark Gatiss in 2009, he created Sherlock, following Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson’s adventures in 21st century London. The episode entitled “A Scandal In Belgravia” from the second series earned Steven a Television Craft Award for Writer earlier this month.
On being recognised, Steven Moffat said: “Blimey! A Special Award! I didn’t even know I was ill! So thrilled by this – especially after two years of Sherlock and Doctor Who, my two favourite shows ever. Of course the work, and the people I get to work with, has always been all the reward I need – a fact I’m very glad that BAFTA has disregarded.”
The Arqiva British Academy Television Awards will be hosted by Dara O’Briain at the Royal Festival Hall, London, and broadcast on BBC One on Sunday 27 May.
Further Information
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About BAFTA
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is an independent charity that supports, develops and promotes the art forms of the moving image by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public. In addition to its Awards ceremonies, BAFTA has a year-round Learning & Events programme that offers unique access to some of the world’s most inspiring talent through workshops, masterclasses, lectures and mentoring schemes, connecting with audiences of all ages and backgrounds across the UK, Los Angeles and New York. BAFTA relies on income from membership subscriptions, individual donations, trusts, foundations and corporate partnerships to support its ongoing outreach work. For further information, visit www.bafta.org.