After its impressive win of six Emmy Awards last year, the acclaimed series “Baby Reindeer” is set to shine once again, this time with eight nominations at the upcoming BAFTA TV and Craft Awards. The hit Netflix show has emerged as a frontrunner, securing nominations in prestigious categories such as Limited Drama, Leading Actor for Richard Gadd, and Supporting Actress for both Jessica Gunning and Nava Mau. Notably, with her nomination, Mau makes history as the first openly transgender nominee for a BAFTA TV Award, marking a significant milestone in inclusivity within the industry.
Trailing closely behind “Baby Reindeer,” a three-way tie has formed for second place, with ITV’s “Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office,” Disney+’s adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s “Rivals,” and Apple TV+’s spy thriller “Slow Horses” each earning six nominations. Disney+ also garnered four additional nominations for its IRA drama “Say Nothing,” which parallels the four nominations received by the BBC documentary “Life and Death in Gaza.” The significant number of nominations showcases the diverse storytelling present in today's television landscape.
Among the nominations, Richard Gadd and Jessica Gunning from “Baby Reindeer” are part of a remarkable group of 21 out of 44 performance nominees receiving their first BAFTA TV Award nominations. Other notable first-time nominees include Jonathan Pryce for “Slow Horses,” Marisa Abela for “Industry,” and Nicola Coughlan for “Big Mood.” These fresh talents highlight the evolving nature of television and the emergence of new voices.
The announcement of these nominations comes amid a challenging period for the UK TV industry. Many industry professionals lament the difficulties faced by local broadcasters in financing high-quality scripted dramas, particularly those with a distinctly British focus. The producer of “Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office” has expressed concerns that the current climate makes it increasingly difficult to produce such dramas. Likewise, the director of “Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light,” which is nominated for both Drama Series and Best Supporting Actor for Damian Lewis, revealed that the BBC could only finance the period drama after its lead star, Mark Rylance, agreed to a “significant” pay cut.
The BAFTA TV Awards ceremony is scheduled for May 11, 2024, at the iconic London’s Royal Festival Hall. As the anticipation builds, fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see how “Baby Reindeer” and other nominated shows fare on this prestigious stage.
Stay tuned for more updates as the BAFTA TV Awards approach, and witness how these remarkable talents are recognized for their contributions to modern television.
