COVID-19: BAFTA TV awards to be held behind closed doors

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced that its television and craft awards will now hold behind closed doors in July. 

Both the TV and craft awards, which celebrate technical achievements, were due to take place earlier this year but were postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

In a statement on Friday, BAFTA said its craft awards will now be streamed online on July 17, and hosted by Stephen Mangan, English actor and presenter, while the TV awards will be hosted by Richard Ayoade, British comedian, and broadcast on BBC One on July 31.

According to the statement, nominations for the TV awards would be announced on June 4, with winners expected to give their acceptance speeches virtually.

Ayoade, who is hosting the show for the first time, expressed surprised that the awards will hold despite the coronavirus pandemic.

“I am as surprised as you are that this is still going ahead,” he said.

In the same vein, Mangan said it is remarkable that the organisers defied the odds notwithstanding the changes brought about by the novel virus.

“The format might have to change a little this year but nothing will stop me putting on black tie and celebrating their success,” she said.

Amanda Berry, chief executive at BAFTA, expressed hope that the awards would be a success like the games awards held online in March.

“Following the success of the online British Academy Games Awards in March, we are proud to be delivering a further two Awards shows during this difficult time,” she said.

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