Get Carson to polish the silverware, have Anna wash and press everyone’s gurdles, and get Mrs Patmore to chuck a splendid supper together. Because today celebrations are going down at* Downton Abbey!*
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts – or BAFTA for short – has announced today that Downton Abbey, will be the subject of a BAFTA tribute, and honoured with a super-special award in August.
Members of the cast and crew of* Downton* will attend the BAFTA tribute to help celebrate the outstanding global success of the ITV show. The award will be presented in front of a live audience, and will be filmed and broadcast on ITV later this year.
Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive of BAFTA, said: “I am delighted that BAFTA is paying tribute to* Downton Abbey*, an extraordinary series that has flown the flag for British drama since 2010. Our tribute will take us backstage with the cast and crew to reveal what’s made it both a national treasure and a global phenomenon.”
Gareth Neame, Executive Producer of Downton Abbey and Managing Director Carnival Films, said: “As Downton Abbey moves towards its conclusion with the final season this autumn, I speak for the entire cast and crew when I say how honoured we are that the Academy will recognise the show with this special award. Not only is Downton a much-loved show in Britain, it has had huge success in both the U.S. and right around the world, waving the flag for Britain and our creative content and that's why the BAFTA recognition means so much to us all.”
Peter Fincham, ITV’s Director of Television, said: "When we commissioned* Downton Abbey* six years ago, little did we know it would go on become the phenomenon it is today, not only loved by our ITV viewers, but also by countless others around the world. I am delighted for everyone at Carnival films and the entire team involved in the production, that they will be honoured by BAFTA with this tribute and special award."
Nice one, Downton!