The 2023 TV BAFTA Awards proved to be an unforgettable night for the LGBTQ+ community in British television. A star-studded gathering showcased exceptional talent and fierce competition as renowned figures such as Drag Race legend Michelle Visage, Heartstopper author Alice Oseman, and the charismatic Claudia Winkleman from The Traitors graced the event alongside trans comedian Jordan Gray.
One of the evening’s standout moments arrived when British acting legend Ben Whishaw, known for his role as Q in the James Bond films, secured the coveted title of Best Leading Actor in a Scripted Comedy. Whishaw’s exceptional performance in the BBC adaptation of Adam Kay’s honest medical memoir, “This Is Going To Hurt,” outshone strong contenders including Cillian Murphy and Martin Freeman. During his acceptance speech, Whishaw expressed overwhelming gratitude and honor for the recognition bestowed upon him.
The LGBTQ+ winning streak continued throughout the evening. Comedian Joe Lycett triumphed in the features category with his Channel 4 special, “Joe Lycett vs Beckham: Got Your Back.” The show fearlessly held football legend David Beckham accountable for his support of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, a country known for its LGBTQ+ human rights abuses. Although Lycett couldn’t be present to accept the award, his colleagues passionately read his acceptance speech, highlighting the ongoing oppression faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Qatar.
Channel 4 celebrated another victory in the best comedy entertainment program category with “Friday Night Live,” which gained widespread attention when trans comedian Jordan Gray courageously stripped naked during a performance on the show. The groundbreaking series “Derry Girls,” featuring Nicola Coughlan as the fiery lesbian character Clare Devlin, also claimed the award for best scripted comedy.
In the international category, Ryan Murphy’s controversial Netflix series, “Dahmer (Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story),” emerged victorious. Starring Evan Peters as the infamous serial killer who targeted LGBTQ+ men, the show faced tough competition from popular Netflix series “Wednesday” and HBO’s “The White Lotus.” However, the win elicited a mixed response from online audiences.
Despite the victories, the evening also witnessed some heartbreaks. The highly acclaimed queer coming-of-age series “Heartstopper,” based on Alice Oseman’s bestselling novels, narrowly missed out on the most memorable moment award for Nick and Charlie’s first kiss. In a public vote, the beloved scene lost to the charming Platinum Jubilee clip of the Queen meeting Paddington Bear. Similarly, Jack Rooke’s poignant Channel 4 comedy series, “Big Boys,” which delves into the experiences of a young gay man navigating his first year of university, faced defeat in the scripted comedy category.
Despite the setbacks, both Alice Oseman and Jack Rooke gracefully accepted their defeat. Oseman took to Instagram, acknowledging the fun they had at the BAFTAs, even though they couldn’t triumph over Paddington and the Queen. Rooke maintained a positive spirit on social media, sharing his Marge Simpson-inspired look and expressing his gratitude to BAFTA and his “Big Boys” gang for making it one of the best nights of his life.
The 2023 TV BAFTA Awards served as a platform to celebrate and recognize the exceptional contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals in British television. From Ben Whishaw’s heartfelt acceptance speech to Joe Lycett’s unwavering dedication to holding influential figures accountable, the night showcased the power of LGBTQ+ representation in the industry.
While some victories were met with widespread acclaim, such as Claudia Winkleman’s double win for her stellar presenting on “The Traitors,” there were also moments of controversy. Ryan Murphy’s series “Dahmer (Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story)” sparked a mixed response due to its portrayal of the notorious serial killer’s crimes against LGBTQ+ men.
Nevertheless, the 2023 TV BAFTA Awards stood as a testament to the progress made in LGBTQ+ representation on British television. It celebrated diversity, showcased compelling storytelling, and brought attention to important social issues. The wins and losses of the evening reminded us that there is still work to be done to ensure equal opportunities and recognition for all voices in the industry.
As the night came to a close, the spirit of resilience and gratitude prevailed among the nominees and participants. Despite facing disappointments, the LGBTQ+ talents, such as Alice Oseman and Jack Rooke, gracefully acknowledged their experiences and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a memorable event.
The 2023 TV BAFTA Awards will be remembered not only for the glitz and glamour but also for the profound impact it had on promoting LGBTQ+ visibility and fostering important conversations within the British television landscape. It serves as a reminder that every step forward, no matter how small, contributes to a more inclusive and representative industry for all.