The winners have been announced for the 2021 RTS Programme Awards, in partnership with Audio Network.
Hosted by renowned British television and radio presenter Jonathan Ross, the prestigious awards were presented, and the winners and nominees celebrated, earlier this evening on the RTS website.
In addition to the 29 competitive categories, three further awards were presented this evening on behalf of the judges. The ‘Judges’ Award’ was presented to Anne Mensah, Vice President, Original Series at Netflix, for her talent and success throughout her career, and her unwavering commitment to reflecting society’s diversity on screen and actively championing diverse production talent to bring new stories and voices to television.
For 2021, the ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ was awarded to celebrated screenwriter Russell T Davies OBE, whose work over the last 20 years was described by the judges as taking “television drama to places it’s never been before, explored themes never explored before, and – more than anything – told stories never allowed before.” Finally, the ‘Special Award’ went to trade association PACT, for its incredible contribution and support to the UK television industry throughout 2020.
Across the competitive categories, the BBC took home 14 wins, three of which were for Michaela Coel’s I May Destroy You, which won in all three categories nominated. The ‘Breakthrough Award’ was presented to Mae Martin for Channel 4 and Netflix’s Feel Good. Mae Martin also took home the ‘Writer – Comedy’ award alongside co-writer Joe Hampson. Also in comedy, The Ranganation won the inaugural ‘Comedy Entertainment’ award, and hit series The Young Offenders garnered the win for ‘Scripted Comedy’.
BBC One’s In My Skin took home the coveted ‘Drama Series’ award, and ITV saw success including ‘Daytime Programme’ for Loose Women and ‘Entertainment’ for The Masked Singer. Sky excelled in the sporting categories, with Michael Holding winning for ‘Sports Presenter, Commentator or Pundit’ and ‘Sports Programme’ being awarded to Sky Sports’ England v West Indies 1st Test – Black Lives Matter, which the judges described as “a remarkable piece of television.”
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Full list of nominations and winners here >
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Chair of the Awards, Kenton Allen, said: “The incredible range of programming we have seen across all genres and categories in this uniquely challenging year has been exceptional and a terrific representation of the thriving and constantly innovating television industry we have in the UK. Although we were unable to celebrate as usual in person, we thank all of you for the continued support and send huge congratulations to the very well-deserved winners and nominees. We look forward to reuniting, in the flesh and dressed to impress, for the RTS Awards 2022. It will be one hell of a reunion!”