‘Downton Abbey’ is to be honoured with a Special Award by The British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
The ITV period drama – starring Dame Maggie Smith and Hugh Bonneville – will be the subject of the tribute event on August 11 to celebrate the global success of the show which will come to an end after six seasons following this year’s Christmas Special.
The Award will be presented to members of the cast and crew in front of a live audience and the entire evening will be filmed by ITV and broadcast on the channel at a later date.
Chief Executive of BAFTA, Amanda Berry OBE, said: "I am delighted that BAFTA is paying tribute to ‘Downton Abbey’ an extraordinary series that has flown the flag for British drama since 2010. Our tribute will take us backstage with the cast and crew to reveal what’s made it both a national treasure and a global phenomenon."
The show’s executive producer, Gareth Neame, added: "As ‘Downton Abbey’ moves towards its conclusion with the final season this autumn, I speak for the entire cast and crew when I say how honoured we are that the Academy will recognise the show with this Special Award.
"Not only is ‘Downton’ a much-loved show in Britain, it has had huge success in both the U.S. and right around the world, waving the flag for Britain and our creative content and that’s why the BAFTA recognition means so much to us all."
Downton Abbey honoured by BAFTA
