Paul Mescal gave one of the sweetest speeches of the night at Sunday evening’s TV Baftas after he collected the Leading Actor gong.
The 25-year-old actor, who played Connell Waldron in Normal People, dedicated his award to co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones, who plays his love interest Marianne in the BBC drama series.
“I want to thank everyone at Hulu and the BBC,” Paul said, admitting he was ‘very nervous’. “I want to thank the cast. I want to dedicate this to Daisy, who is the best scene partner and one of the best people I know.”
After the actor, who was obviously taken aback at his win, left the stage, Baftas host Richard Ayoade couldn’t resist taking a cheeky swipe.
“What an absolute bastard,” he deadpanned. And all before the 9pm watershed too.
Twitter was loving the host being, well, Richard Ayoade.
Following Paul’s win, Daisy shared an emotional video to her Instagram thanking Bafta for her nomination as Best Leading Actress and “her lovely friend Paul for his deserved win”, alongside a video of her at home watching Paul accept his award and crying.
Elsewhere, Michaela Coel was the biggest winner of the night, taking home the leading actress prize and the best mini-series for I May Destroy You.
The awards were handed out at Television Centre in west London in front of a live but socially-distanced audience of nominees.
The 25-year-old actor, who played Connell Waldron in Normal People, dedicated his award to co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones, who plays his love interest Marianne in the BBC drama series.
“I want to thank everyone at Hulu and the BBC,” Paul said, admitting he was ‘very nervous’. “I want to thank the cast. I want to dedicate this to Daisy, who is the best scene partner and one of the best people I know.”
After the actor, who was obviously taken aback at his win, left the stage, Baftas host Richard Ayoade couldn’t resist taking a cheeky swipe.
“What an absolute bastard,” he deadpanned. And all before the 9pm watershed too.
Genius! Richard Ayoade stole the show tonight! (Last 10 secs) https://t.co/obAN0PMClj
— Paul Culverwell (@__mRc_) June 6, 2021
Twitter was loving the host being, well, Richard Ayoade.
“What an absolute bastard”. Richard Ayoade. Legend. #Baftas
— boydhilton (@boydhilton) June 6, 2021
Richard Ayoade calling Paul Mescal a "bastard" after his acceptance speech is one of the best moments in BAFTA awards history.
— Alex Ritman (@alexritman) June 6, 2021
Award shows can be dull but Richard Ayoade presenting and making comments on every winner and moment has made the BAFTA tv awards hilarious.
— Martin Bushby (@bushby01) June 6, 2021
Richard Ayoade should pretty much host everything.#BAFTASpic.twitter.com/9j1BWwJR0J
— Jools Evelyn (@joolsevelyn) June 6, 2021
#VirginMediaBAFTAs there is no better host than @RichardAyoade - every link I'm howling
— Gemma Davis (@mad_gemma) June 6, 2021
Following Paul’s win, Daisy shared an emotional video to her Instagram thanking Bafta for her nomination as Best Leading Actress and “her lovely friend Paul for his deserved win”, alongside a video of her at home watching Paul accept his award and crying.
Elsewhere, Michaela Coel was the biggest winner of the night, taking home the leading actress prize and the best mini-series for I May Destroy You.
The awards were handed out at Television Centre in west London in front of a live but socially-distanced audience of nominees.