The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
The Crown leads way at TV Baftas with five nods
Netflix show based on royal family nets best drama and four acting nominations
Claire Foy has said she is “thrilled” that The Crown has been nominated for five awards at this year’s TV Baftas.
Foy is tipped for best actress for her portrayal of the younger Queen Elizabeth II in the Netflix show’s first season, which secured a nomination for best drama series.
Jared Harris, John Lithgow and Vanessa Kirby are featured in the line-up for best supporting actors in the historical drama.
Foy, 32, said: “I’m very honoured to have been nominated for a Bafta and so thrilled the show has been recognised in so many categories and to share this with Jared, John and Vanessa and all the amazing cast and crew.
“It’s especially meaningful because the show is made in the UK with such a wealth of incredible British talent. Very, very excited.”
Creator and writer Peter Morgan also celebrated the news.
“I am beyond thrilled for The Crown to have been recognised in a year where so much wonderful work has been achieved in British television,” he said. “We are all giddy and delighted.” The popular series, based on the earlier years of Britain’s royal family, is up against The Durrells, Happy Valley and War & Peace in the best drama list.
Meanwhile, Foy faces competition in her category from Thirteen’s Jodie Comer, NW’s Nikki Amuka-Bird and Happy Valley’s Sarah Lancashire.
Describing The Crown’s success as “wonderful”, executive producer Andy Harries said: “It’s great to feel the appreciation and support of the UK TV and film industry for our series.”
The full line-up of nominations was announced by actors Andrew Buchan and Michaela Coel during an event at Bafta’s central London headquarters yesterday morning.
Benedict Cumberbatch tops the list of leading actors, following his role in The Hollow Crown, alongside Robbie Coltrane in National Treasure, Adeel Akhtar in Murdered By My Father and Babou Ceesay in Damilola, Our Loved Boy. The one-off drama – retelling the tragic story of Damilola Taylor, who was killed in 2000 – is also nominated for both single drama and supporting actress, Wunmi Mosaku.
Elsewhere, Strictly Come Dancing features in both the entertainment programme category and entertainment performance by series host Claudia Winkleman.
Ed Balls’ famous Gangnam Style routine made the list of must-see TV moments, along with Planet Earth II’s snakes vs iguana chase, James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke with Michelle Obama, Danny Dyer’s royal revelation on Who Do You Think You Are?, Game Of Thrones’ Battle Of The B ***** ds and Line Of Duty’s series three finale.
The final Virgin TV Bafta winners will be announced on May 14 in a ceremony hosted by Sue Perkins at London’s Royal Festival Hall.