Steve McQueen’s anthology series and Michaela Coel’s daring drama are the frontrunners – but the judges have tough decisions to make when it comes to reflecting the pandemic
The 2021 Bafta TV awards are unusual in reflecting a year in which there were many months with no production – the closest equivalent is the industrial strikes of the 70s and 80s, which took networks off air. But, as so much material was made before the pandemic, there are still tough decisions for this year’s judges.
Here are some points to bear in mind. Juries – viewing a longlist based on Bafta members’ votes – sit separately, with no reference to each other. This prevents ticket-splitting (“We’ll give A the acting prize because B got the directing one”). Also, jurors leave the room not knowing the final winner, which rules out leaks.
