BAFTA is facing criticism for failing to include the late veteran star Bernard Cribbins in its in memoriam section during this year’s film awards ceremony.
Host Richard E Grant, who lost his wife Joan Washington, a dialect coach, in 2021, became emotional as he announced the annual tribute to those from the entertainment industry who died in the last 12 months.
While stars such as Angela Lansbury, James Caan, Olivia Newton-John, Leslie Philipps, William Hurt, Robbie Coltrane and Burt Bacharach were commemorated by BAFTA, Cribbins – who appeared in Carry On films and starred in the big-screen adaptation of The Railway Children – was not included.
His Railway Children co-star Sally Thomsett was among those commenting on the omission on social media, saying she was “absolutely appalled that the fabulous Bernard Cribbins was not mentioned” and that BAFTA “should be disgusted with themselves”.
The BAFTAs film awards ceremony was broadcast on a delay, with some moments cut from the programme that went to air.
One Twitter user wrote: “Was rather astonished to not see Bernard Cribbins being honoured. A national treasure held dear by the majority of the nation! Limited time isn’t a justified response, I’m sorry.”
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BAFTA responded to the tweet, acknowledging Cribbins’ TV work and the time constraints: “With limited time in our broadcast it isn’t possible to honour all those who have sadly passed away,” the organisation wrote on its official account. “Given his influential work in TV, he will be considered for inclusion in the next Television Awards broadcast.”
Star of stage and screen, Cribbins appeared in Coronation Street and more recently Doctor Who, and also narrated The Wombles.
Another Twitter user wrote: “Remembering Bernard Cribbins – accomplished television AND film actor. And radio. And stage. If anyone deserved a few seconds on screen In Memoriam at #BAFTAs it was him. I do get he was prolific on TV and I’m sure we’ll see him appropriately tributed at the TV awards in spring.”
Sky News has contacted BAFTA for comment.
