The 2025 BAFTA TV Awards stirred up a storm of controversy and disappointment after beloved screen legends Dame Maggie Smith and Dame Joan Plowright were noticeably absent from the In Memoriam segment. Viewers across the UK and beyond expressed shock and outrage on social media, calling the omission “disgusting,” “shameful,” and “deeply disrespectful.” As the tribute aired, many expected to see the names and faces of two of Britain’s most iconic actresses honoured—but were met with silence. However, as the backlash swelled, a surprising explanation emerged, revealing that all was not as it seemed.
The BAFTA TV Awards, known for celebrating excellence in British television, have long included a solemn tribute to industry figures who passed away over the last year. This year’s emotional segment featured a moving violin performance by Esther Abrami, accompanied by a montage of late television stars. Yet the absence of Smith, famed for her role in Downton Abbey, and Plowright, renowned for her theatre and screen legacy, left fans reeling.
So, what happened? Was it an unforgivable oversight or a case of misunderstanding BAFTA’s tribute policy?
The Missing Legends: Viewers React in Outrage
Within moments of the In Memoriam segment airing, social media platforms erupted with fury. Twitter/X was flooded with messages from fans, actors, and entertainment critics demanding answers. The phrase “Maggie Smith snub” began trending, with many users tagging BAFTA directly in their posts.
“Absolutely disgraceful not to include Dame Maggie Smith in the TV awards tribute,” one user wrote. “She was the soul of British television for decades.”
Another added, “Joan Plowright broke barriers for women in TV and theatre. BAFTA owes her more than silence.”
The outrage wasn’t confined to viewers. Members of the acting community chimed in, expressing dismay that two national treasures with decades of TV contributions were ignored in a moment meant to celebrate the very industry they helped shape.
For many, the absence felt personal—especially given Maggie Smith’s widely beloved role as the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey, a series synonymous with modern British television success. Joan Plowright, an Emmy and BAFTA award-winning actress, also earned praise for decades of work in both television and film.
BAFTA Responds: Not Forgotten, Just Honoured Elsewhere
In the face of mounting backlash, BAFTA was quick to release a statement clarifying the situation. According to a spokesperson, both Dame Maggie Smith and Dame Joan Plowright were already honored at the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards, earlier in the year. BAFTA’s policy, they explained, is to feature tributes in the awards ceremony most aligned with the honouree’s primary career contributions.
“Dame Maggie Smith and Dame Joan Plowright were remembered in our Film Awards In Memoriam tribute,” BAFTA noted. “We honour individuals at the ceremony most relevant to their body of work.”
The organization added that decisions on which individuals are included in each In Memoriam segment are made with careful consideration, and that many notable figures often span across multiple media. As a result, some tributes may not appear in every event.
While the explanation helped clarify BAFTA’s intentions, it did little to calm some fans. Many argued that Smith and Plowright had made just as significant a contribution to television as to film, especially considering Downton Abbey‘s global television acclaim and Plowright’s extensive British TV filmography.
The Double-Edged Sword of Tributes: BAFTA’s Dilemma
This year’s controversy sheds light on a recurring issue faced by award shows worldwide: how to balance tributes for multi-talented artists whose careers transcend individual media. When a legend like Dame Maggie Smith has been equally prolific in stage, television, and film, assigning her legacy to just one category can feel reductive.
The decision to honour certain figures in one ceremony over another often comes down to subjective interpretations of their “primary” medium. Yet in an era where actors seamlessly transition between television, film, and streaming platforms, the lines have never been blurrier.
Moreover, the public’s emotional attachment to stars like Smith and Plowright only intensifies expectations. Their work spans generations, and their absence—regardless of reason—feels like an erasure of shared cultural history.
This year’s BAFTA controversy is a poignant reminder that memorials, while symbolic, hold deep meaning for audiences. In a world grappling with loss and change, even brief tributes become sacred moments of recognition and collective mourning.
What Viewers Saw During the Broadcast
The In Memoriam segment, set to a live solo by celebrated violinist Esther Abrami, featured several other notable figures who passed away recently. These included:
- Michael Mosley – Popular broadcaster and health presenter
- Roberta Taylor – Veteran British actress best known for The Bill and EastEnders
- Sir Tony Robinson – Actor and historian
- Barbara Young – Coronation Street and Last of the Summer Wine actress
Each name was paired with a visual montage, drawing emotional reactions from the audience both in the venue and at home. Yet, for many, the tribute’s impact was undercut by the notable omissions.
Public and Celebrity Reaction Continues to Roll In
Despite BAFTA’s clarification, reactions continued well after the event. Prominent entertainment columnists and radio hosts debated whether the awards body should adopt a more inclusive approach in future.
Even more striking were calls from viewers for BAFTA to consolidate its In Memoriam tributes across TV and film, or at the very least, acknowledge cross-medium stars in both events. Some have even proposed a digital In Memoriam wall or archive where all tributes can be displayed year-round.
A few voices also came to BAFTA’s defense, suggesting that the backlash may have been amplified by a misunderstanding. “People are grieving the loss of their icons,” said one media analyst. “When someone like Maggie Smith isn’t shown in a tribute, it’s not just about policy—it’s about feeling seen and validated.”
Conclusion
The BAFTA TV Awards 2025 was meant to celebrate the best of British television—but it ended up under fire for what many perceived as a serious oversight. The absence of Dame Maggie Smith and Dame Joan Plowright from the In Memoriam tribute struck a chord with viewers, sparking passionate debate and raising critical questions about how we honour our cultural legends.
Though BAFTA’s explanation sheds light on the reasoning behind the tribute decisions, the incident reveals a larger truth: audiences expect inclusivity, transparency, and reverence when it comes to remembering those who shaped our screens. As entertainment mediums continue to blur, award bodies like BAFTA may need to rethink their traditions to better reflect the hybrid careers of modern legends.
FAQs
Q1: Why were Maggie Smith and Joan Plowright left out of the BAFTA TV Awards tribute?
A1: BAFTA explained that both actresses were honoured earlier this year during the Film Awards, in keeping with their policy of assigning tributes based on the primary medium of a person’s career.
Q2: Are viewers satisfied with BAFTA’s explanation?
A2: Not entirely. Many believe the actresses’ contributions to television also warranted recognition during the TV Awards.
Q3: Who was included in the In Memoriam tribute at the BAFTA TV Awards?
A3: The segment included Michael Mosley, Roberta Taylor, Sir Tony Robinson, Barbara Young, and others.
Q4: Has BAFTA faced similar backlash before?
A4: Yes, award shows including BAFTA and the Oscars have faced criticism in the past for omitting certain figures from their tributes.
Q5: Could BAFTA change how it handles tributes in the future?
A5: Possibly. Given the backlash, there may be pressure to revise or expand the tribute format to be more inclusive of cross-medium talent.
