This weekend, many are looking forward to the 78th British Academy Film Awards, which will honor the films of 2024. David Tennant is set to host and while he has only received one nomination in the past (Male Performance in a Comedy Programme for Good Omens last year), he has received regional BAFTA accolades in both Scotland and Wales. It may surprise and disappoint some to discover that he has some disparaging things to say about the institution of awards.
Why doesn't David like awards shows?
As reported by Marcus Donaldson GBNews, "David Tennant has rubbished the value of award ceremonies in a damning admission just days ahead of hosting the Baftas." The 53-year-old veteran of stage and screen hosted last year's awards and aims to be "kind" this year while trying to not make anyone feel "uncomfortable." In last year's show, he seemed to cause offense towards actress Cate Blanchette and "recalled panicking at the sight." His goal for this year is to "avoid 'picking fights.'" His humor might still raise eyebrows, but he says that, "If I have a style, it's only that."
So, why is it that David "slammed the concept of awards as 'fabricated nonsense'?" It's a matter of perspective, as Donaldson says that "In his mind, awards function as a means to attract attention to the roles an actor takes on that might not receive attention otherwise...[and] also gives performers an opportunity to do more of the work they want to do." Says Tennant, "[Awards] mean things professionally to people, but I don't suppose they change their life."
It's an interesting claim for someone who is so awarded himself. He has taken home a total of 45 awards over his career and accrued 48 more nominations. He has been called the "Favourite Scot on Screen" as an Audience Award at the BAFTA Awards, Scotland in 2024 for his work in Doctor Who. He lso was hailed for Innovation During Lockdown in the 2021 RTS Midlands Awards for Staged. He even was awarded a 2013 Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program, as he provided the voice of ancient droid Huyang in Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
Donaldson theorizes that Tennant "is perhaps still thinking about his own bid to take home a prestigious British award. Whatever the motivation, we look forward to David's cheeky style on February 16 as he takes the stage.