The 28th edition of the annual British Academy Cymru Awards was held on October 13, 2019 at St David’s Hall in Cardiff, Wales. The prestigious event honored the best of Welsh film, television and games industries, shining a spotlight on the exceptional talent within Wales.
The evening was a celebration of the flourishing Welsh screen industry, with a star-studded guest list including some of the biggest names in the industry. Hosted by Welsh actress and comedian, Sian Harries, the event was a glamorous affair, with attendees dressed in their best attire.
The ceremony was a true reflection of the Welsh screen industry’s diversity and inclusion, with a wide range of diverse voices and stories being recognized and celebrated. From gripping dramas to captivating documentaries, the nominees and winners at this year’s Bafta Cymru Awards showcased the depth and quality of Welsh talent.
The coveted award for Best Film was won by ‘The Library Suicides’, directed by Euros Lyn, which also picked up the award for Best Costume Design. The film, based on Welsh author Fflur Dafydd’s novel, is a gripping thriller that explores sibling rivalry and family secrets. It was praised for its excellent direction, gripping storyline and exceptional performances by its leading actors.
‘Pili Pala’, a short film by director Osian Williams, was the standout winner of the night, claiming the award for Best Short Film, Best Editing and Best Original Music. The thought-provoking film follows the story of a couple dealing with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. Its success at the Bafta Cymru Awards is a testament to its powerful storytelling and emotional impact.
The popular detective drama ‘Hinterland’ continued its winning streak, taking home the award for Best Television Drama. The series, set in the beautiful Welsh countryside, has captured the hearts of viewers with its intriguing storylines, stunning visuals and outstanding performances by its lead actor, Richard Harrington.
The Best Actor award was given to Owain Arthur for his performance in ‘The Taming of the Shrew’, a production by the Royal Shakespeare Company. The actor, known for his role in the critically acclaimed comedy ‘Stella’, was praised for his exceptional portrayal of Petruchio in the Shakespearean comedy.
Another notable highlight of the evening was the award for Outstanding Contribution to Television, which was presented to Gareth Gwenlan. The Welsh producer, best known for his work on the comedy series ‘Only Fools and Horses’, was recognized for his outstanding contribution to the Welsh television industry and his efforts to nurture young talent in the country.
The Bafta Cymru Awards also celebrated the best of Welsh games, with Multiplay’s ‘Society’ winning the award for Best Game. The game, set in a dystopian world, has been praised for its engaging and immersive gameplay.
Other winners included Gareth Ceredig for Best Director: Fiction, Ruth Wessel for Best Photography and Shane Richards for Best Sound. The full list of winners can be found on Bafta Cymru’s website, showcasing the diverse and exceptional talent within the Welsh screen industry.
The Bafta Cymru Awards not only celebrate the achievements of Welsh talent, but also inspire future generations to pursue their passion for film, television and games. As the Welsh screen industry continues to thrive, events like these are essential in recognizing and promoting the creativity and talent within Wales.
The success of this year’s Bafta Cymru Awards is a reminder of the richness and diversity of the Welsh screen industry, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for Welsh talent. Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding contributions to the industry and for making Wales proud.
