New date for British Academy Television Awards
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has confirmed the new date for this year’s Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards, originally scheduled for Spring 2020, when they were postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The awards will now take place on Friday, July 31 and will be broadcast as-live on BBC One that evening with the nominations announced on Thursday, June 4.
In accordance with current restrictions, the Awards ceremony will take place as a closed studio, socially-distanced show, with nominees invited to accept their awards virtually.
BAFTA and the BBC are also delighted to announce that for the first time Richard Ayoade, the presenter, comedian, writer, actor and director, will take the helm as host of the TV Awards
Richard Ayoade said: “I am as surprised as you are that this is still going ahead.”
Chief executive at BAFTA, Amanda Berry OBE, said: “We are delighted to confirm the new date and format for both the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards.
"We want to celebrate and reward the talented individuals who make up the television industry, both behind and in-front of the camera, many of whom have continued to entertain and inform the nation in recent weeks.
"I am thrilled that Richard Ayoade will be hosting the Television Awards for the first time and with him at the helm, the evening is set to be great entertainment.”
Commissioning Controller Entertainment at the BBC Kate Phillips, said: “I’m really pleased we’re able to bring the BAFTA TV Awards 2020 to BBC One this July.
"As always they will celebrate the best of British TV throughout the year, as well highlight the great programming and memorable moments that have entertained so many throughout recent tough times.”
Richard won a BAFTA for Best Male Performance in a Comedy Programme for The IT Crowd, and has been nominated for a BAFTA on two other occasions - once in the British Academy Film Awards, for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer for Submarine, and again for Travel Man, which was also nominated for Best Feature in the Television Awards in 2017.
The British Academy Television Craft Awards will take place on Friday, July 17 and will be broadcast as-live through BAFTAs social channels including at www.youtube.com/bafta.
Stephen Mangan returns to host this year’s Television Craft Awards for the ninth time, which will be broadcast as-live online via BAFTA’s social channels.
HE said “I’m absolutely delighted to be hosting the BAFTA Craft Awards again - handing out our industry’s highest accolades to the people who make this country’s television world-leading.
"The format might have to change a little this year but nothing will stop me putting on black tie and celebrating their success.”
