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nations & regions
sparkling occasion
The 12th BAFTA Cymru Film, Television and New Media Awards
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There was an audible gasp of disappointment as an announcement was made that the host for the evening, Huw Edwards, was unable to be present due to unforeseen work commitments.
Huw had naturally sent a spe- cial video message of apology, but the thousand plus guests gath- ered in the Cardiff International Arena for the 12th BAFTA Cymru Awards, were soon roaring with laughter and applause.
Huw on tape turned out be Alistair McGowan (as Huw) who had, thanks to Charlie Hanson and Vera Productions, recorded a spoof opening on the “set” of the Ten O’Clock News.
This set the tone for what turned out to be a terrific evening. Huw Edwards (yes he was there) was on sparkling form and presentations of the much- coveted BAFTA Cymru masks were made in 34 craft, produc- tion and performance categories.
Although there were a num- ber of “double” BAFTA Cymru Award winners, it was BBC Wales’ Drama series The Bench that
headed the list, with three pre- sentations for Bill Broomfield (Best DoP), Will Oswald (Best Editor) and Eiry Thomas (Best Actress).
Arwel Gruffydd won Best Actor for Treflan; Gwyfyn earned Best Drama for producer Fizzy Oppe, Ed Thomas was Best Director, Drama for Fondue Rhyw a Deinosors; and Ynyr Williams and Dylan Wyn Richards snared Best Documentary and Best Director – not Drama – for Johnny Owen –The Long Journey.
Young film maker Angharad Penrhyn Jones won The Best Current Affairs Programme for her hard hitting fly on the wall series, Ar y Stryd, and she also won The Best Newcomer Award, which carried with it a cash bonus of £1000 – courtesy of Cyfle and Skillset Cymru.
The award for the Best Film went to David Ball (CF1) for Plots With A View starring Blenda Blethyn, Christopher Walken , Alfred Molina, Lee Evans and Robert Pugh.
For many, the highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Special Award to dramatist
and author Elaine Morgan. The former Controller of BBC Wales and Chair of Sgrin Cymru, Dr Geraint Stanley Jones, who made the presentation, described Elaine as “one of British televi- sion’s most prolific, successful and distinguished dramatic writers” responsible for countless of the nation’s favourite programmes in the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s.
Her credits include Dr Finlay’s Casebook, Maigret, The Onedin Line, Testament Of Youth and The Life And Times Of Lloyd George.
“According to Elaine Morgan,” added Jones, “writing is neither art nor craft, it is only communication. Whatever it is, she has mastered it for the bene- fit of countless millions over the years, and in so doing Morgan has, as much as anyone, been part of ensuring an unique place for British television as being the best in the world.”
Geraint Evans,
Director BAFTA Cymru
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