Bafta is intensifying its preparations for Sunday's TV awards ceremony after the broadcast of a racial slur during February's film awards led to a major review of procedures. The organisation is taking the event "extremely seriously," with additional staff on hand to ensure any potential issues are swiftly escalated.
Background of the Incident
During February's Bafta film awards, John Davidson, who has Tourette syndrome, involuntarily used the N-word while actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan were on stage presenting a prize. The word was repeated later by Davidson, but the production team only edited out the second use. Host Alan Cumming apologised immediately, but the incident sparked widespread criticism.
Bafta apologised "unreservedly" and launched a review of its planning and procedures. The BBC, which aired the show, also apologised and admitted breaching its editorial standards by broadcasting the slur and failing to remove the footage from iPlayer promptly.
Increased Scrutiny for Sunday's Ceremony
With 2,000 guests expected at London's Royal Festival Hall, including Claudia Winkleman, Jessica Gunning, and Stephen Graham, the event is highly complex. A BBC source noted: "It's usually sunny the day of the TV awards, but the heat will be felt even more this year until the final credits roll and the reaction on social media is checked."
Bafta is working closely with its production partner Penny Lane and the BBC to ensure clear communication protocols are in place. The show will be monitored more closely than in the past, with incidents recorded and communicated via WhatsApp and the "talkback" system. Issues will be time-coded and cross-referenced, with follow-ups as needed.
Challenges of Live Editing
The three-hour ceremony starts earlier than its broadcast to allow for editing, but by the end of the two-hour programme, the production team is often editing almost live due to over-running speeches. An insider said the question "Is it still on iPlayer?" will be on everyone's mind if anything untoward is broadcast.
Bafta has re-tested its event management procedures at recent gaming and craft awards, which were successes. Discussions about next year's film awards have already begun, but plans will be informed by Sunday's outcome.
Statements from Hosts and Bafta
Alan Cumming claimed the February incident was due to "bad leadership … bad people who weren't doing their jobs properly." He said he told his agent he did not want to host again. However, this year's host, Greg Davies, said: "I'm sure they've got it in hand … I don't anticipate any surprises but if there are, we'll be fine, we'll roll with it."
A Bafta spokesperson stated: "In addition to the full apology we issued, we have put in place measures to strengthen and improve our processes. We are focused on delivering a really great event on Sunday night."
