National Television Awards pick first all-female shortlist for drama acting award
NTA Ceremony Set for September at London's O2 Arena
Ninoda.com – The National Television Awards, which have celebrated outstanding British television since their inception in 1995, will hold their annual ceremony at the O2 arena in London. Comedian Joel Dommett returns as host for the evening, which will air live on ITV1 and ITVX beginning at 20:00 BST on 8 September. The public will cast votes across all 15 categories until midday that same day.
History Made in Drama Acting Category
For the very first time, voters have produced an entirely female shortlist for the best drama performance honour. Five actresses will compete for the gong, each recognised for a distinct role across television and streaming platforms.
Sheridan Smith, a previous recipient of this award, is nominated for portraying campaigner Ann Ming in ITV's true-crime drama I Fought The Law. Ruth Jones, best known from Gavin & Stacey, earned her spot through her performance in the Netflix thriller Run Away. Vicky McClure is recognised for embodying Lana Washington in Trigger Point, while Ella Bruccoleri made the cut for her work in the alternative period drama The Other Bennet Sister. Judy Parfitt rounds out the list for her portrayal of Sister Monica Joan in Call the Midwife.
The final five were selected through a public vote drawn from a broader longlist that featured names including David Tennant, Gary Oldman, Idris Elba, James Norton, and Tom Hiddleston. A second round of voting is now underway to determine the ultimate winner.
Presenter and Docuseries Nominations
Stacey Solomon has accumulated a hat-trick of nominations this year, including best TV presenter. Last year's recipient of that particular honour was Gary Lineker, who ended the remarkable 23-year consecutive winning streak held by Ant and Dec. This year, Solomon will face the Geordie duo once again, alongside Sir David Attenborough in his centenary year, Traitors, chat-show host Claudia Winkleman, and Alison Hammond.
In the inaugural celebrity-led reality docuseries category, Solomon and her partner Joe Swash contend against boxer Tyson Fury, Jeremy Clarkson, Emmerdale actor-turned-farmer Kelvin Fletcher, and the comedy-fishing duo Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse.
Comedy, Drama, and Other Category Highlights
Mrs Brown's Boys holds a nomination for best comedy, even as creator and star Brendan O'Carroll's broken jaw prompted the show to cancel its festive specials that week. The Canadian breakout romance Heated Rivalry is eligible for best new drama owing to its co-production with Sky UK. Meanwhile, the final series of Strictly Come Dancing, featuring Winkleman and Tess Daly, is up for best talent show.
Full Shortlist Overview
Additional categories this year span serial drama (Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks, Casualty), returning drama (Blue Lights, Bridgerton, Stranger Things, Call the Midwife, Trigger Point), quiz shows (Ant & Dec's Limitless, Win, Michael McIntyre's The Wheel, Richard Osman's House of Games, The 1% Club, The Chase), authored documentary, factual entertainment, daytime programming, and the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award among others. Serial drama performance nominees include Aaron Thiara, Gareth Pierce, Jeff Hordley, Paul Bradley, and Sue Devaney.
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