Latest news with #MrBatesvsthePostOffice
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Baby Reindeer,' ‘Shogun' win at the 2025 Peabody Awards: See the full winners list
Reigning Emmy champs Baby Reindeer and Shōgun were among the winners at the 2025 Peabody Awards, announced on Thursday. This year's winners will be honored during a formal ceremony June 1 in Los Angeles, hosted by Roy Wood Jr. The Peabody Awards Board of Jurors selected the prestigious honorees in the categories of arts, children's/youth, documentary, entertainment, interactive and immersive, news, public service, and radio/podcast. Baby Reindeer and Shōgun are among the seven entertainment winners, with the others being Fantasmas, Mr Bates vs the Post Office, Ripley, Say Nothing, and We Are Lady Parts. More from GoldDerby 'Thunderbolts' is set to kick-start summer box office and take down 'Sinners' 2025 News and Documentary Emmy Awards nominations include the Biden-Trump debate, plus '60 Minutes' in Outstanding Edited Interview How one 'obsessive' reality TV fan created 'Crypto: The Game,' an emerging media contender that's poised to shake up the Emmys The winners were chosen by a unanimous vote of 27 jurors from more than 1,000 total entries. Together, they "encompass a wide range of contemporary and historical issues, including the war in Gaza, rural healthcare, a focus on disabilities, authoritarianism, and sexual violence,' said Jeffrey Jones, executive director of Peabody. The eligibility period was the 2024 calendar year. Here is the full winners list for the 85th annual Peabody Awards: Photographer (National Geographic) The first season of National Geographic's Photographer showcases renowned photographers like Paul Nicklen, Cristina Mittermeier, and Anand Varma, who use their art to highlight issues such as environmental threats, the wonders of nature, and the representation of the African diaspora. Through beautiful and probing documentaries directed by notable cilmmakers, the series explores the deeper implications of photography, emphasizing how images are crafted to advocate for visibility and awareness. Out of My Mind (Disney+) Director Amber Sealey's film Out of My Mind follows sixth-grader Melody Brooks, a nonverbal teen with cerebral palsy, as she asserts her independence, showing how adults often overlook her efforts to communicate. The cilm's heartfelt storytelling and sensitivity emphasize the importance of treating individuals with special needs with respect and empathy. Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story (Crave) Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story creatively chronicles the life of pioneering trans soul and R&B singer Jackie Shane, who has largely been forgotten due to the scarcity of video footage from her performances. Through inventive rotoscoped animations, audio of her conversations with co-director Michael Mabbott, and interviews with her relatives, the documentary explores Shane's complex identity and her reasons for stepping away from the spotlight. Black Box Diaries (MTV Documentary Films/Showtime) Shiori Itō , a young journalist in Japan, tells her own harrowing story of bravely confronting the powerful male journalist Noriyuki Yamaguchi after he rapes her, despite facing disbelief from the police and media. Her relentless pursuit of justice, using her smartphone to document conversations and gather evidence, imbues the documentary with an intense intimacy and determination. Bread & Roses (Apple TV+) The Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 severely restricted the rights of more than 20 million women, preventing them from accessing education and employment while facing harsh public limitations. Sahra Mani's documentary Bread & Roses highlights the resilience of Afghan women in these circumstances, showing their organized resistance as well as the joy they insist on cinding in their everyday lives. Daughters (Netflix) Daughters, directed by Natalie Rae and Angela Patton, explores the Date With Dad program, which hosts dances for girls and their incarcerated fathers, creating a temporary sense of home in a prison setting. The cilm poignantly highlights the emotional struggles of these girls and their families, emphasizing that while the event fosters connection, it cannot replace the presence of a father throughout their childhoods. Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa (Netflix) This film tells the inspiring story of Lhakpa Sherpa, who balances an ordinary life working at Whole Foods in the United States while nurturing her extraordinary passion for climbing Mount Everest, where she has made multiple record-breaking summits. The documentary not only highlights her remarkable achievements against the backdrop of personal struggles, but also vividly showcases her resilience and spirit, her tenacity and connection to the mountains. Night Is Not Eternal (HBO Max) In Night Is Not Eternal, filmmaker Nanfu Wang explores the complexities of dissent and solidarity through her procile of Cuban activist Rosa Marı́a Payá Acevedo, highlighting their shared experiences in authoritarian regimes. As Wang documents Payá Acevedo's journey during the Trump administration and the 2020 election, they confront growing ideological divides, ultimately revealing the challenges and compromises individuals make in the pursuit of "freedom" and "democracy." One With the Whale (Independent Lens, PBS) One With the Whale follows 16-year-old Yupik tribal member Chris Apassingok as he celebrates his cirst harpooned whale, a significant coming-of-age milestone and means of provision for his village, only to face a wave of hateful online backlash from an environmental group when photos of his accomplishment are posted on social media. Directed by Jim Wickens and Peter Chelkowski, the cilm powerfully illustrates the challenges faced by indigenous communities in preserving their traditions amidst climate change and external judgement from an increasingly connected world. Queendom (Galdanova) Queendom follows Jenna, a gifted performance artist whose bold self-expression becomes an act of resistance against oppression and violence in Putin's Russia. Through Agniia Galdanova's powerful storytelling, the documentary captures both Jenna's painful struggles and her triumphant perseverance. Stax: Soulsville U.S.A. (HBO Max) This powerful four-part HBO documentary chronicles the rise, fall, and cultural impact of the iconic Memphis soul label, showcasing legendary artists such as Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes. By weaving together music, history, and the era's racial and political forces, the series delivers a poignant, soulful, and deeply American story. The Remarkable Life of Ibelin (Netflix) Benjamin Ree's The Remarkable Life of Ibelin explores the enriching impact of video games through the life of Mats Steen, a Norwegian man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who cinds community and meaning in World of Warcraft. By juxtaposing Steen's virtual and real- life experiences, the cilm serves as a poignant tribute to his journey and highlights the profound connections that can be formed in digital spaces. The Truth vs. Alex Jones (HBO Max) Director Dan Reed provides an exclusive look at the trial of radio host Alex Jones as he faces a lawsuit from the parents of Sandy Hook victims for promoting false claims about the shooting. The cilm not only highlights Jones's manipulative tactics for fame and procit but also critiques a society where trust in shared truths is deteriorating, resulting in a compelling examination of truth versus conspiracy. Will & Harper (Netflix) In Will & Harper, comedy writer Harper Steele navigates her gender transition while reconnecting with longtime friend and collaborator Will Ferrell, who offers unwavering support despite the challenges posed by societal bigotry and transphobia. Their cross- country trip becomes a humorous and heartfelt exploration of friendship, trans allyship, and the complexities of identity. Baby Reindeer (Netflix) Starring Richard Gadd as flailing stand-up comedian Donny Dunn, Baby Reindeer explores his tumultuous relationship with Martha, a fan whose clattery quickly escalates into stalking. Based on Gadd's own experiences, the series offers a darkly comedic yet poignant examination of abuse, trauma, and the complexities of autociction, showing the potential for storytelling as a means of healing. Fantasmas (HBO Max) Julio Torres's HBO show Fantasmas blends absurdity and humor in a surreal world where the protagonist, Julio, grapples with the need for a "proof of existence" to validate his talent and identity amidst bizarre societal norms. Featuring a talented cast and a satirical take on conformity through its sketch-like structure, the series cleverly critiques everything from bureaucracy to reality TV. Mr Bates vs the Post Office (Masterpiece/PBS) In Mr Bates vs the Post Office, Toby Jones portrays Alan Bates, a seemingly ordinary subpostmaster unjustly accused by the British government of theft due to faulty software, showcasing his resilience and determination to cight for justice. The miniseries expands from Bates' individual struggle to expose a broader conspiracy, revealing the government's prioritization of corporate interests over citizen welfare. Ripley (Netflix) Ripley creator Steven Zaillian employs a stark black-and-white aesthetic to explore the moral complexities and deceptions inherent in human nature, focusing on the sociopathy of the titular character, masterfully portrayed by Andrew Scott. This adaptation stands out among previous versions of Patricia Highsmith's novel by integrating an unexpected connection to 16th-century painter Caravaggio, capturing the mid-century sensibility of Highsmith's work and offering a visual portrayal of grifting as a consequence of the American dream. Say Nothing (FX/Hulu) Say Nothing is a nine-episode limited series that chronicles the Northern Ireland conclict known as "The Troubles," focusing on the abduction and murder of Jean McConville by the Provisional Irish Republican Army in 1972. The series weaves together multiple narratives, including the stories of the Price sisters and Gerry Adams, exploring the deep social impacts of political radicalism, secrecy, and the emotional aftermath of violence. Shōgun (FX/Hulu) FX's reimagining of Shōgun, which adapts James Clavell's novel, shifts the focus from the English navigator John Blackthorne to the rich narratives of its Japanese characters, particularly Lord Toranaga and Lady Mariko, thereby challenging the original's white-savior narrative. This innovative approach results in a captivating and complex epic primarily in Japanese, a remarkable example of global collaboration and storytelling prowess. We Are Lady Parts (Peacock) We Are Lady Parts returns just as brilliantly in its second season, using the story of an all- female, all-Muslim British punk band to explore the nuanced challenges of maintaining authenticity while navigating success. With sharp wit, bold music, and intimate character portrayals, the show breaks stereotypes and offers a rare, multifaceted depiction of Muslim women unlike most representations in Western media. 1000xRESIST 1000xResist is a narrative adventure game set a thousand years in the future, focusing on themes of time, memory, and intergenerational trauma as it explores the aftermath of the 2019 Hong Kong demonstrations. Players, taking on the role of Watcher, delve into the memories of Iris the ALLMOTHER and her clones to confront the unsettling truths of their society, ultimately prompting reclection on the past and the future. Inside the Deadly Maui Inferno, Hour by Hour After the devastating wildcires in Lahaina, Hawaii, in August 2023, which resulted in at least 99 fatalities, The New York Times produced this in-depth report, showcasing innovative storytelling and investigative journalism. The comprehensive account combines more than 400 resident and tourist videos, interviews, and thorough analysis to reveal the failures that led to the disaster. One Day in Gaza: Close Up Al Jazeera English's One Day in Gaza: Close Up is a powerful social video capturing life in a besieged city through the phone cameras of Palestinian citizens, showing both daily resilience and the devastating impact of conflict. By empowering locals to tell their own stories when traditional journalism was restricted, the cilm offers an intimate, essential perspective. What Does Racial Bias in Medicine Look Like? Social media is clouded with health misinformation, particularly affecting people of color, as highlighted by "medical mythbuster" Dr. Joel Bervell. Through concise videos on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, he exposes racial bias in medical practices and algorithms, aiming to educate both healthcare professionals and patients. Confronting Hate (WTVF-TV) Phil Williams of WTVF-NewsChannel 5 conducted extensive investigations into the rise of right-wing extremism in Tennessee, uncovering the influence of neo-Nazis and white Christian nationalists, all while facing targeted harassment online. His impactful reporting not only highlighted a pressing issue in American politics but also led to a state investigation into a local police ofcicial promoting conspiracy theories. Policing Phoenix (ABC15 Arizona [KNXV-TV]) ABC 15 Arizona conducted a groundbreaking investigation into the Phoenix Police Department's brutal treatment of Black Lives Matter protestors, resulting in the dismissal of 39 felony cases and triggering a three-year U.S. Department of Justice investigation. Following up with a detailed 32-part series on the DOJ's final report, the journalists provided critical context and additional evidence of police misconduct. Surviving Nova (Vice TV) On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched a deadly attack on the all-night Nova music festival in Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and the taking of more than 200 hostages, which sparked a brutal siege of Gaza. The documentary Surviving Nova by Vice News captures the chilling events through smartphone footage and survivor testimonies, exploring the deep emotions and varied reactions of those affected. The Night Won't End (Fault Lines/Al Jazeera English) Al Jazeera's The Night Won't End highlights the harrowing experiences of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, documenting the relentless attacks on civilians by the Israeli military using U.S.-provided weaponry. By following three families and collaborating with organizations such as Airwars and Forensic Architecture, the broadcast provides comprehensive evidence that underscores the absence of "safe zones" in Gaza while holding America accountable for its complicity. The Only Doctor (Reel South/PBS) The Only Doctor prociles Dr. Karen Kinsell, who runs the sole medical clinic in impoverished Clay County, Ga., highlighting the stark health care disparities in one of the wealthiest countries. Documentarian Matthew Hashiguchi captures her commitment to treating uninsured patients, while also critiquing the procit-driven health care system that threatens her clinic's existence. Blindspot: The Plague in the Shadows This powerful podcast reframes the AIDS crisis as a widespread, deeply interconnected struggle too often ignored by mainstream society. Through six episodes cilled with cirsthand accounts, it highlights the resilience and solidarity that emerged in the absence of national leadership. In the Dark: The Killings in Haditha In the Dark: The Killings in Haditha delves into the tragic 2005 massacre in which U.S. marines killed numerous Iraqi civilians in Haditha, revealing the profound anguish of the victims' families and the lack of accountability from the American government. Through nine meticulously researched episodes, reporter Madeleine Baran and her team uncover the dismissive and revealing responses from military ofcicials, highlighting the damaging impact of the U.S. wars on terror. Pulse: The Untold Story The 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, initially portrayed in the media as a hate crime driven by shooter Omar Mateen's struggles with his sexuality, is revealed by reporter Trevor Aaronson to be instead a crime that stemmed from his opposition to U.S. military actions in Iraq and Syria. Through extensive investigation, Aaronson uncovers how the FBI's narrative shaped public perception and obscured its own failures, leading to critical questions about institutional accountability and the politicization of memory. Yousef, Youmna, Banias, and Majd: Four Lives in Gaza Chana Joffe-Walt's collection of stories for This American Life emphasizes the individual human experiences often overshadowed by the statistics surrounding the Gaza conflict, focusing on the personal struggles of people like aid worker Yousef Hammash and reporter Youmna El Sayed. Through intimate phone conversations, Joffe-Walt captures their raw vulnerability and resilience, witnessing and conveying the realities of life in a war-torn region. SIGN UP for Gold Derby's free newsletter with latest predictions Best of GoldDerby How one 'obsessive' reality TV fan created 'Crypto: The Game,' an emerging media contender that's poised to shake up the Emmys 'I felt my blood boil': Nicholas Alexander Chavez on playing Lyle Menendez in 'Monsters' 'I've gotten a high from the gavel': Melissa Rauch on bringing 'Night Court' back to life and crafting Judge Abby Stone Click here to read the full article.
7NEWS
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Australian Strictly Come Dancing star Dianne Buswell picks up BAFTA alongside dance partner Chris McCausland
An Australian ballroom dancer has been left 'shaking like a leaf' after claiming a coveted television award in Britain overnight. Strictly Come Dancing star Dianne Buswell won the BAFTA TV Awards' memorable moment gong for her waltz with comedian Chris McCausland, the show's first blind contestant. The pair danced to You'll Never Walk Alone during the 2024 series of the BBC program, which they ultimately won. 'In one minute and thirty seconds of a dance, I feel like this told such a story — a story of hope, determination, resilience and vulnerability,' Buswell said. 'I had something completely different that I was going to say but somebody asked me outside what I thought of when I was doing that dance. 'Honestly, I held Chris' hands and I was set off from the minute we started because he closed his eyes and he smiled a smile that I've never seen from him before and that meant it came straight from his heart. 'This moment meant so much to the both of us so I'm just so thrilled that we have this.' It was a first BAFTA win for both Buswell and McCausland. The award was decided by public vote and Buswell said she was 'shaking like a leaf' as she collected it. McCausland did not join his co-star at the ceremony but he did have a light-hearted message, which Buswell delivered. 'Chris did have something he wanted me to say and that is after 22 years in comedy he wins a BAFTA for dancing,' Buswell said. 'He said: 'Di, I'll take it, but please let them all know it hurts'.' Buswell's boyfriend Joe Sugg, a YouTube star who she met when they were partnered together during the 2018 series of the show, was in tears while listening to her deliver her speech. Buswell and McCausland's dance was nominated alongside moments from Bridgerton, Gavin and Stacey, Mr Bates vs the Post Office, Rivals and The Traitors. 'That BAFTA is SO deserved. What Dianne Buswell achieved with Chris McCausland was nothing short of extraordinary,' one fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter. 'She's also an absolute delight.' The Aussie dancer is originally from Bunbury, south of Perth in WA. She previously appeared on Australia's Dancing with the Stars before moving to the UK in 2017.
ITV News
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ITV News
BAFTAs: Mr Bates, Baby Reindeer and Strictly amongst winners
Mr Bates vs the Post Office, Strictly Come Dancing and Baby Reindeer were amongst the winners at the Bafta TV Awards
Wales Online
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BAFTA TV Awards 2025 start time, host, how to watch and nominations in full
BAFTA TV Awards 2025 start time, host, how to watch and nominations in full The BAFTA TV Awards are back for another year with the likes of Graham Norton, Nicola Coughlan and many others nominated Who will take home the awards tonight? (Image: BAFTA via Getty Images ) The BAFTA TV Awards return tonight [Sunday, May 11], with household names like Graham Norton and Nicola Coughlan in the running for some of the industry's most prestigious accolades at the biggest night in British television. The awards span a range of categories, including Drama Series, Limited Drama, Scripted Comedy, and Reality and Constructed Factual. The Memorable Moment category features iconic scenes from popular shows such as Gavin and Stacey and The Traitors. Taking place at London's Royal Festival Hall, TV shows like Rivals, Baby Reindeer and Mr Bates vs the Post Office are all hoping to take home the awards. Welsh star Ruth Jones has been nominated for female performance in a comedy for playing the iconic Welsh character Nessa in the amazing finale of Gavin & Stacey. Mr Bates vs the Post Office also has a strong Welsh link with Alan Bates, played by the amazing Toby Jones, being from North Wales with a lot of the series filmed in the region. Gethin Jones' show Morning Live is up for best daytime show and Welsh show Lost Boys and Fairies is up for limited drama, so we could be seeing some Welsh winners tonight. Article continues below Here is everything you need to know about BAFTA 2025. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . When are the Bafta TV awards on television? This year's ceremony will take place at the Royal Festival Hall in the Southbank Centre on Sunday, May 11. Viewers can enjoy the event from the comfort of their own homes, with coverage starting at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, reports the Mirror. The awards show is expected to last approximately two hours, concluding at around 9pm. For those eager to catch all the red carpet action, pre-show coverage will be available on YouTube, hosted by comedians Suzi Ruffell and Tom Allen. Who is hosting the Bafta TV Awards 2025? There is a new host this year (Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/BAFTA/Rachell Smith ) In a change from previous years, the 2025 BAFTAs will be hosted by Alan Cumming. This follows two years of hosting duties by Romesh Ranganathan and Rob Beckett, marking a fresh direction for the awards ceremony. Upon the announcement of Alan as the host for the event, Emma Baehr, BAFTA's executive director of awards and content, expressed her enthusiasm: "We're delighted that Alan Cumming will be hosting this year's BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises." She anticipated a lively event, adding: "He will definitely bring a playful sense of mischief and fun to the ceremony, so audiences should expect the unexpected at Britain's biggest celebration of TV on Sunday 11th May. "The sheer quality, innovation, and breadth of talent in British television in front of and behind the camera is second to none, and we look forward to honouring and celebrating these talented people at our upcoming awards ceremonies." Alan has garnered fame not only as the host of The Traitors US but also for his roles in GoldenEye and The Good Wife, with his latest appearance being in Doctor Who. The Bafta 2025 nominations in full Children's: Non-scripted BooSnoo! Disability and Me Operation Ouch! Reu & Harper's Wonder World Children's: Scripted CBeebies As You Like It at Shakespeare's Globe Horrible Histories Ready Eddie Go! Tweedy & Fluff Current Affairs Life and Death in Gaza (Storyville) Maternity: Broken Trust (Exposure) State of Rage Ukraine's War: The Other Side (Exposure) Daytime Clive Myrie's Caribbean Adventure Loose Women Morning Live Richard Osman's House of Games Could Gethin Jones and Morning Live take home the prize? (Image: BBC/Guy Levy ) Drama Series Blue Lights Sherwood Supacell Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light Entertainment The 1% Club Michael McIntyre's Big Show Taskmaster Would I Lie to You? Entertainment Performance Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly Claudia Winkleman Graham Norton Joe Lycett Romesh Ranganathan and Rob Beckett Stacey Solomon Factual Entertainment In Vogue: The 90s Race Across the World Rob and Rylan's Grand Tour Sort Your Life Out Factual Series American Nightmare Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams on Tour The Push: Murder on the Cliff To Catch a Copper Fellowship Kirsty Wark Female Performance in a Comedy Anjana Vasan – We Are Lady Parts Kate O'Flynn – Everyone Else Burns Lolly Adefope – The Franchise Nicola Coughlan – Big Mood Ruth Jones – Gavin & Stacey: The Finale Sophie Willan – Alma's Not Normal Good luck Ruth! (Image: PA ) International After the Party Colin from Accounts Say Nothing Shōgun True Detective: Night Country You Are Not Alone: Fighting The Wolfpack Leading Actor David Tennant – Rivals Gary Oldman – Slow Horses Lennie James – Mr Loverman Martin Freeman – The Responder Richard Gadd – Baby Reindeer Toby Jones – Mr Bates vs The Post Office Leading Actress Anna Maxwell Martin – Until I Kill You Billie Piper – Scoop Lola Petticrew – Say Nothing Marisa Abela – Industry Monica Dolan – Mr Bates vs The Post Office Sharon D Clark – Mr Loverman Limited Drama Baby Reindeer Lost Boys and Fairies Mr Bates vs The Post Office One Day Live Event Coverage D-Day 80: Tribute to the Fallen Glastonbury 2024 Last Night of the Proms Male Performance in a Comedy Bilal Hasna – Extraordinary Danny Dyer – Mr Bigstuff Dylan Thomas-Smith – G'wed Nabhaan Rizwan – Kaos Oliver Savell – Changing Ends Phil Dunning – Smoggie Queens News Coverage BBC Breakfast: Post Office Special Channel 4 News: Inside Sednaya – The Fall of Assad Channel 4 News: Undercover Inside Reform's Campaign P&O Cruises Memorable Moment Bridgerton – The carriage scene where Colin admits his true feelings Gavin & Stacey: The Finale – Smithy's Wedding when Mick stands up Mr Bates vs The Post Office – Jo Hamilton phones the Horizon helpline Rivals – Rupert Campbell-Black and Sarah Stratton are caught in a game of naked tennis Strictly Come Dancing – Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell dance a waltz to 'You'll Never Walk Alone' The Traitors – Paul isn't my son but Ross is Mr Bates vs the Post Office has Welsh links (Image: ITV ) Reality Dragons' Den The Jury: Murder Trial Love Is Blind UK The Traitors Scripted Comedy Alma's Not Normal Brassic G'wed Ludwig Short Form Brown Brit Peaked Quiet Life Spud Single Documentary Hell Jumper Tell Them You Love Me Ukraine: Enemy in the Woods Undercover: Exposing the Far Right Soap Casualty Coronation Street EastEnders Special Award ITV Specialist Factual Atomic People Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story Children of the Cult Miners' Strike 1984: The Battle for Britain Sports Coverage Euro 2024 (BBC One) Paris 2024 Olympics (BBC One) Wimbledon 2024 Supporting Actor Ariyon Bakare – Mr Loverman Christopher Chung – Slow Horses Damian Lewis: Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light Jonathan Pryce – Slow Horses McKinley Belcher III – Eric Sonny Walker – The Gathering Supporting Actress Article continues below Jessica Gunning – Baby Reindeer Katherine Parkinson – Rivals Maxine Peake – Say Nothing Monica Dolan – Sherwood Nava Mau – Baby Reindeer Sue Johnston – Truelove
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
ITV awarded top Bafta honour for ‘changing hearts and minds' with Mr Bates vs the Post Office
Bafta has announced ITV will receive its top award for releasing Mr Bates vs the Post Office, the drama that sparked change in governmental legislation. The four-part drama, starring Toby Jones, has racked up an audience of 15 million viewers to date. It tells the story of the impact on hundreds of sub-postmasters who were wrongly prosecuted for theft and false accounting due to a series of software errors. Bafta's Special Award will honour ITV's for commissioning the groundbreaking series, with the awards body calling it 'public service television at its best'. Bafta television committee chair Hilary Rosen said that the series, which was released in January 2024, 'shows the power of television to change hearts and minds'. Kevin Lygo, managing director of ITV's media and entertainment division, praised 'the team who made it' as well as 'all the people who entrusted us with their story'. 'ITV has a proud tradition of covering important stories and we all knew this needed to be told,' lygo said. 'The public reaction showed how very British stories of human injustice can unite all walks of life, and affect real world change.' The real-life story follows sub-postmaster Alan Bates (Jones) as he leads a determined fightback for justice on behalf of those wronged by the Post Office, ultimately winning a legal battle that overturned dozens of wrongful convictions. Despite breaking records as ITV's most-watched drama in the UK, it was revealed that the real-life series made a loss of £1m due to 'international appeal'. 'Of course, some things are very profitable on the channel, and some things aren't. But it's a challenge to be able to fund some of the things,' Lygo previously said. 'If you're in Lithuania, four hours on the British Post Office? Not really, thank you very much. So you can see the challenges here,' he added. The cost and risk of creating UK-specific dramas with limited international appeal is increasingly challenging, yet this award 'champions ITV's brave commission and honours the social and public impact television can have', Rosen said. 'As Mr Bates vs the Post Office has proved, audiences want and need to hear these important British stories,' she continued. Mr Bates vs the Post Office has been nominated for six Baftas, including Leading Actor for Toby Jones and Leading Actress for Monica Dolan. The ceremony takes place on 11 May. The Special Award is one of Baftas highest honours. Previous winners include Horrible Histories, Downton Abbey and historian and author David Olusoga, who is set to appear on the forthcoming Celebrity Traitors.
