BAFTA Confirms Tribute to Kate Beckinsale's Stepfather Following Her Urgent Request

 

"Bafta Ensures Tribute for TV Director Roy Battersby after Urgent Plea from Actress Kate Beckinsale"

By Charlotte McLaughlin, PA Senior Entertainment Reporter

Actress Kate Beckinsale expressed being "paralysed and sickened" ahead of Bafta's commitment to include a tribute to her stepfather, Roy Battersby, at the TV ceremony.

Roy Battersby, a TV director known for his contributions to Cracker, Between The Lines, Inspector Morse, King Of The Ghetto, and A Touch Of Frost, passed away at the age of 87 earlier this month. The Bafta Awards had initially informed Beckinsale that consideration would be given to include him in the in memoriam segment for the TV awards ceremony but wasn't guaranteed.

In response to the news of Battersby's death, a Bafta spokesman described him as "a renowned and trailblazing director" and expressed condolences. The delegate communicated, "We certify he will be regarded in our oncoming Bafta television awards in May, and on the in memoriam region on our site."

Before Bafta's announcement, Beckinsale shared her disappointment in an Instagram post, revealing that Bafta had indicated they "could not guarantee" his inclusion in the "in memoriam" tribute. She expressed her frustration at the notion that her stepfather, with a decades-long career and the highest accolade from Bafta, had to go through an audition process to determine if his death was worth mentioning.

Bafta's in memoriam segment typically runs during its film and TV award ceremonies. Beckinsale highlighted Battersby's remarkable work on projects such as Leeds United!, Tomorrow's World, and Roll On Four O’Clock. She also mentioned her mother, actress Judy Loe, who has been dealing with stage four cancer for the past six years and recently lost her husband.

Bafta responded to Beckinsale's criticism with an email explaining their process, stating that names are brought before Bafta’s Obituaries Committee, which meets to compile the In Memoriam segment. However, they cannot guarantee inclusion, and the discussion for the television awards takes place in spring.

Beckinsale's post coincided with the Thursday announcement of the Bafta film award nominations, with Oppenheimer leading with 11 nods.

Kate Beckinsale took to social media to express her heartbreak after receiving an email from BAFTA regarding the inclusion of her stepfather, Roy Battersby, in their 'in memoriam' tribute. The accomplished TV director passed away after a short illness, leaving behind a legacy of "incredible work" on projects such as Leeds United!, The Body, Tomorrow's World, and A Touch of Frost.

In her Instagram post, alongside a throwback picture, Beckinsale praised Battersby for his significant contributions to the industry. However, her tone shifted as she revealed BAFTA's response, stating they "could not guarantee" his inclusion in the tribute to honor industry members who have passed away.

Beckinsale expressed her frustration, highlighting the absurdity of a man with a decades-long career and the highest accolade from BAFTA having to "audition" posthumously in front of a committee to determine if his death is worth mentioning. She conveyed the emotional toll of this situation, stating that it had broken her heart once again.

"I am paralyzed, sick, and sickened, and I will honor him and his work every day of my life," Beckinsale affirmed.

The actress also brought attention to her mother, Judy Loe, who has been dealing with stage four cancer for the past six years and recently lost her husband. She concluded the post with a pointed remark, thanking BAFTA for what she described as their "horribly cold email."

Beckinsale shared a screenshot of the email on her Instagram Story, where BAFTA explained their process of gathering names throughout the year and convening the Obituaries Committee to compile the in memoriam segment. However, they made it clear that guarantees of inclusion are never provided, and the discussion for the television awards takes place in spring.

This incident sheds light on the emotional complexities faced by grieving families when dealing with industry recognitions and raises questions about the sensitivity and transparency of the awards process. As Beckinsale navigates the mourning process, her poignant post serves as a reminder of the profound impact of a loved one's legacy and the challenges faced in ensuring their memory is duly honored.

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