The annual British Academy Cymru Awards, also known as the Bafta Cymru awards, took place on October 13th, 2019 in Cardiff, Wales. This prestigious event celebrates the very best of film, television, and games produced in Wales. It is a night of glitz, glamour, and recognition for the hard-working individuals who bring Welsh stories to life on screen. The 2019 edition of the Bafta Cymru awards was no exception, with a strong lineup of nominees and deserving winners. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the full list of winners at this year’s Bafta Cymru awards.
In the film categories, the big winner of the night was “Apostasy” which took home three awards including Best Film, Best Director for Daniel Kokotajlo, and Best Actress for Siobhan Finneran. The film, which tells the story of a young Jehovah’s Witness girl struggling with her faith, was praised by the judges for its powerful storytelling and exceptional performances.
Another film that received multiple accolades was “Gwen,” which won both Best Production Design and Best Costume Design. Set in 19th century rural Wales, the film tells the story of a young girl’s battle against dark forces threatening her family and land. The judges were impressed by the film’s stunning visuals and attention to detail.
Moving onto television, the acclaimed drama series “Keeping Faith” was recognized with three awards. The show, which became a huge hit in both Wales and the rest of the UK, won Best Drama Series, Best Actress for Eve Myles, and Best Director for Pip Broughton. “Keeping Faith” tells the story of a lawyer, played by Myles, who is forced to uncover the truth about her husband’s disappearance. The series has been praised for its gripping plot and strong performances.
In the factual and entertainment categories, “The Aberfan Young Wives’ Club” won both Best Single Documentary and Best Director: Factual for Marc Evans. The emotional documentary tells the story of a group of women who lost their husbands and children in the 1966 Aberfan disaster, and how they came together to support one another. The judges praised the film for its sensitive and moving portrayal of the tragedy.
In the children’s categories, “Bing” was named Best Animation while “The Zoo” won Best Children’s Programme. “Bing” has become a household name in the UK for its heartwarming stories and lovable characters. “The Zoo” follows the daily adventures of a group of young zoo animals and has been praised for its educational value and entertaining storytelling.
Finally, in the games category, “Little Orpheus” was named Best Game. The game, created by Wales-based studio The Chinese Room, is a narrative-driven adventure that takes players on a journey to the center of the Earth. “Little Orpheus” was praised for its stunning visuals and engaging gameplay.
The Bafta Cymru awards also recognized the talent behind the camera, with awards for Best Director of Photography, Best Screenplay, and Best Sound. Additionally, special awards were given to outstanding individuals who have made a significant contribution to the Welsh creative industries. This year’s recipients were actor Michael Sheen, producer Peter Edwards, and director Marc Evans.
As the night came to a close, it was evident that the Welsh film, television, and games industries continue to produce exceptional work, and the future is looking bright. The Bafta Cymru awards have once again shone a spotlight on the talented individuals who bring Welsh stories to life, and their achievements deserve to be celebrated.
In conclusion, the 2019 Bafta Cymru awards were a night to remember, filled with deserving winners and a celebration of the Welsh creative industries. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their exceptional work, and here’s to another year of outstanding storytelling from Wales.
