Last night at London’s Southbank Centre the 2013 BAFTA television awards took place and the best of British television (and Made in Chelsea) was celebrated.
The incredible Olivia Colman took home two awards for very different roles; Best Supporting Actress for Jimmy McGovern’s Accused and Best Female in a Comedy Programme for the Olympic satire Twenty Twelve. Colman is an incredibly versatile actress showing that she can excel in both comedy and drama and I’m glad to see her honored for both of these roles. Colman dedicated one of these awards to co-star Anne Marie Duff coming up with a wonderful hybrid name for them “Annmoliviacolmuff.” Coleman looked stunning in an aubergine Vivienne Westwood gown as she collected both awards.
In the other drama categories Shakespeare was a big hit with The Hour’s Ben Whishaw winning for his portrayal of Richard II and Simon Russell Beale won in the supporting category for playing Falstaff in Henry IV Part 2. Whishaw spoke backstage to the BBC about the positive reception to this venture and why Shakespeare is still important to a wide audience “Of course he didn’t write plays for a few people – he was writing for mass audience, so I think it’s very important that television touches on all the great literature in the world.”
A couple of surprises include both of the HBO/BBC joint ventures Parade’s End and The Girl going home with nothing. Sienna Miller showed once again that she can work a red carpet (after being one of the only actresses to truly get the punk theme at last week’s Met Gala) in a Matthew Williamson mint green dress that reflects the era and her role as Tippi Hedren in The Girl. Miller might not have won the big prize but she did win in the fashion stakes.
The Best International category has been dominated by Danish shows over the past few years with both the excellent Borgen and Forbrydelsen taking home the big prize. The Bridge couldn’t recapture the Scandinavian magic and this year saw Girls beat out Homeland and Game of Thrones. Game of Thrones still managed to scoop a prize as it won the public voted Radio Times Audience Award.
The Special Award of the night went to Clare Balding; Olympic and Paralympic presenter and all round amazing woman. Balding’s speech touched upon everything that made 2012 such a special year and I can’t think of anyone else more deserving.
For a full list of winners head here.
