In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), has announced that its television and craft awards will hold behind closed doors this year.
Both the TV and craft awards were due to take place on May 17; but were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement on Friday, BAFTA said its craft awards will now be streamed online on July 17. It will be 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.
In a statement, actor, presenter and writer Ayoade who is hosting the show for the first time said:
“I am as surprised as you are that this is still going ahead.”
Similarly, Mangan who is returning as host of the craft awards for the ninth year, added:
“The format might have to change a little this year; but nothing will stop me putting on black tie and celebrating their success.”
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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