TV
BAFTA TV Awards: All you need to know
The anticipation is palpable as the British television industry gears up for the prestigious 2024 British Academy Television Awards.
We break down all you need to know about the event below.
When and where are the BAFTA TV Awards?
This year’s BAFTA TV Awards are set to take place on May 12th at London’s Royal Festival Hall. The ceremony will be broadcast in the evening on BBC One.
Who is hosting the BAFTA TV Awards?
The dynamic duo of Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan, who have become a popular pairing as a result of their work on various Sky programmes together, have been awarded hosting duties for the evening.
What are some of the changes this year?
The 2024 edition of the BAFTA TV Awards introduces several category changes and updates aimed at reflecting the evolving landscape of the television industry.
Noteworthy modifications include the consolidation of Best Mini-Series and Best Single Drama into the Limited Drama category, aimed at recognising scripted one-off programmes or series.
Additionally, the merger of Best Sport and Best Live Event into the Best Sport & Live Event Coverage category underscores the diversity of televised content and the skill required to capture it.
Who are the favourites?
There are several top-tier programmes vying for the top prizes in this year’s ceremony. Here are the following favourites for each of the main categories
Best Actor
In this category, it’s Brian Cox who looks to be the shoo-in for the award for his portrayal of Logan Roy in season four of the hit HBO TV series Succession. Cox leads the market at the short price of 1/4 to pick up his first BAFTA for Best Actor, with his last nomination over thirty years ago in 1993 for his BBC Two show The Lost Language of Cranes.
Best Actress
Sarah Lancashire has received four nominations in this category now, picking up the award in 2017 for her performance as Catherine Cawood in BBC One’s Happy Valley, and fast forward seven years, she finds herself the heavy favourite at 2/7 for the same role.
Best Drama Series
Four shows look to be battling it out in the Best Drama Series category, with Happy Valley taking the top spot at 1/4. The series has been running since 2014 and has attracted continuous attention since then, winning this category for each of the first two seasons in 2015 and 2017, with the third a firm favourite to make it three from three. Apple TV’s Slow Horses sits second in the betting at 3/1 as a debut nomination, narrowly ahead of other debutant and Netflix’s sole nomination Top Boy (4/1).
Best International Programme
Six shows make the shortlist for the Best International Programme at this year’s BAFTAs ceremony, with Succession taking pole position at 1/2 to pick up the award. At a close second sits The Bear at 7/4, which has garnered plenty of attention with Jeremy Allen White as the lead role.
