Nikki Lilly: Special Award 2019

Words by Rich Matthews

In a time where social issues affecting future generations have dominated the news, BAFTA’s 2019 Special Award recipient is inspirational British vlogger, YouTuber and television presenter Nikki Lilly – the first time the award has been given to a teenager.

“Life isn’t always unicorns and rainbows. To get to the rainbow, you have to go through the rain.” Nikki Lilly has lived through enough challenges in her 15 years to say this with conviction, and yet, in a daily display of resilience, empathy and strength, she is out in the world sharing her feelings to hopefully help others.

Lilly was born with an arteriovenous malformation, a rare condition that causes her veins to expand and rupture, triggering severe nose bleeds, migraines and face swelling. She’s had more than 70 surgeries since first showing symptoms at the age of six. At eight, she started uploading videos tackling such issues as disability, mental health, online safety and lifestyle activities. “I’m just doing all that I can to help people feel a little less dark,” she says.

In 2016, Lilly won CBBC’s Junior Bake Off and was presented with the Child of Courage Award at Pride of Britain. She’s been the subject of two BAFTA-nominated documentaries in the My Life series. Since 2018, she has also fronted her own CBBC Show, Nikki Lilly Meets…, in which she’s interviewed everyone from politicians Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn to sports stars Andy Murray and Raheem Sterling. With the aid of her parents, George and Tanya, she’s also found the time to help establish a charity to raise awareness and funds for her condition, The Butterfly AVM Charity. She embodies the media savvy and activism of her generation.

“I want to spread positive messages as widely as possible,” she says. “Although my generation spends a lot of time on social media, there’s much more to us than people think. We truly care about one another and about making the world a better place.” And there is a consistent message running through her work: “There will always be someone smarter and prettier but know your worth. You’re unique. If you put your mind to something, believe in yourself and are determined, then you can achieve anything.”

So, how does it feel to receive this BAFTA Special Award, surely one of life’s rainbows?

“It’s absolutely insane,” she grins. “There are so many other amazing people out there that deserve it more. But I’m utterly, utterly grateful and I feel very lucky.”

A BAFTA Special Award is one of the academy’s highest honours recognising an outstanding contribution to film, games or TV. You can see more recipients in our Awards database.

For more inspiring stories from the world of film, games and TV, explore our BAFTA Award Stories section.