The RTS Craft & Design Awards 2025 saw the BBC lead the way with seven awards across 29 categories, including Director – Multicamera for Lance Kneeshaw’s work on the 40th Anniversary live episode of EastEnders, as well as two of the three awards for Editing.
Nikki McChristie won Editing – Entertainment and Comedy for her work on Ludwig, and Andre Prunetti took home Editing – Non-scripted for Boybands Forever.
Both Disney and Netflix followed closely with six awards each. Netflix garnered four awards for its limited series Adolescence in the Casting, Production Design – Scripted, Production Management and Sound – Scripted categories. Disney took home three awards for its documentary Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story, in the Director – Non-scripted, Photography – Non-scripted and Sound – Non-scripted categories.
The RTS Special Award for 2025 was awarded to the Craft team of Adolescence. Beyond its critical acclaim and global impact, the series was recognised for its “one-shot” device that required meticulous pre-planning and collaboration across the entire production team.
The Outstanding Contribution Award was presented to former BBC vision mixer Hilary Briegel, in celebration of her 30-year career working on countless top shows and some of the most watched live events, including the Olympic Games and State occasions.
Emma Gormley, Chair of the RTS Craft & Design Awards, said: “In difficult times for the television and media industries, it’s all the more important to come together and celebrate the incredible talent that has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring some of the biggest shows of the year to life. This year’s winners show the full scope of this talent – from camerawork, production, costume and make-up to sound and much more, and we’re thrilled to be commemorating and congratulating them and their achievements at tonight’s ceremony. Congratulations to all nominees and of course, all winners.”
The full list of winners and nominees:
Casting Award
WINNER – Shaheen Baig Adolescence Warp Films, Matriarch Productions and Plan B Entertainment for Netflix
“The jury said that all three nominations rose to their own unique casting challenges to create bold and brilliant drama. The winner, however, brought together an ensemble that not only delivered, but did so consistently across the board with authenticity in a demanding format. Few shows create global superstars, but our winner did just that.”
Nominees:
• Nathan Toth What It Feels Like for a Girl Hera Pictures for BBC Three
• Robert Sterne & Toby Spigel Black Doves SISTER and Noisy Bear for NetflixCostume Design – Scripted
WINNER – Joanna Eatwell Wolf Hall – The Mirror and the Light A Playground and Company Pictures production for BBC One
“Our winner brought a finely researched authenticity to this show, and their meticulous attention to detail and sensitive character work gave the production a vivid and cohesive visual identity, and the result was a luxurious treat. In the words of one jury member, their work was ‘flawless’.”
Nominees:
• Jodie-Simone Howe Mr. Loverman Fable Pictures and Sony for BBC One
• Nirage Mirage What It Feels Like for a Girl Hera Pictures for BBC ThreeDesign – Programme Content Sequences
• WINNER – Huge Designs Code of Silence Mammoth Screen for ITV1
“A bold, empathetic reimagining of subtitles as storytelling. Jumbled text that resolves only when the protagonist can “read” the words. Paired with tight focus shots and a considered director’s lens, viewers are placed inside the deaf person’s experience. Clever, beautifully integrated design that challenges convention and deepens narrative with striking immediacy.”
Nominees:
• Framestore Doctor Who Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for Disney Branded Television and BBC One
• Production Team Underdogs Maximum Effort and Wildstar Films for National Geographic and Disney+Design – Titles
• WINNER – Sky Creative Sky Sports Lions Series 2025 Sky Creative, Konstantina, Coffee & TV, Molecular Sound and Absolute for Sky Sports
“The jury said this was ‘a soaring, goosebump-inducing title sequence that fuses First Nations Australian art and instrumentation with modern broadcast design to electrifying effect. Its kaleidoscopic palette, meticulous craft, and the respectful collaboration create an epic prelude that captures the spirit, history, and anticipation of a Lions tour in a single breath’.”
Nominees:
• Marcus Armitage, Nikki Kefford, Justine Waldie & Michael Schlingmann Eyes of Wakanda Studio AKA and Marvel Studios for Disney+
• Light Creative A Thousand Blows The Story Collective, Matriarch Productions and Water & Power Productions for Disney+Director – Multicamera
WINNER – Lance Kneeshaw EastEnders BBC Studios for BBC One
“The winner rose to the challenge of delivering complex drama production live on air — something that’s rarely done these days. The judges noted the flawless proficiency of the entire production, requiring all departments to unite around a highly complex masterplan. This included an interactive element that enabled the public to vote on the narrative outcome, closing just 15 minutes before transmission.”
Nominees:
• Janet Fraser Crook Glastonbury 2025 BBC Studios for BBC
• Nikki Parsons Strictly Come Dancing BBC Studios for BBC OneDirector – Non-scripted
WINNER – Charlie Hamilton James Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story Silverback Films for National Geographic and Disney+
“A beautiful and emotive film, sharing a story that was simple yet powerful. It was clear to see the dedication and care that had gone into making this film – with the director moving to live on location with the couple. There is so much more to it than just beautiful pictures, this story captures your attention and heart and stays with you.”
Nominees:
• Luke Sewell Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action Minnow Films for Netflix
• Luned Tonderai & Sophie Oliver Operation Dark Phone: Murder By Text The Garden for Channel 4Director – Scripted
WINNER – Julia Ford Until I Kill You World Productions for ITV1
“The jury felt the directorial choices here were deliberate and brave. They were impressed to see a horrific story focusing on the victim, not the abuser, and they were taken into Delia’s mindset and world immediately, despite her not being warm or even likeable – the director did not shy away from presenting an unvarnished female character. The jury were particularly impressed with elements of the craft, such as the use of negative space and juxtaposing muted colour palettes with bright highlights, which was exceptional.”
Nominees:
• Brian Welsh What It Feels Like for a Girl Hera Pictures for BBC Three
• Nathaniel Martello-White Just Act Normal The Forge Entertainment for BBC ThreeEditing – Sport
WINNER – Steve Wakeford The Late Cut Everyfield Films for Sky Sports
“A standout entry by an editor whose own style was stamped throughout, this entry was full of personality. Rivalry, fun, suspense and drama – you felt it all. A very talented individual showcasing elite skills, and all of his own doing.”
Nominees:
• Harry Cambage, Gabriel Clarke & Matt Wylie Dave Watson ITV Sport for ITV1
• Philip Hughes, Nicholas Perry & Lucy Adams ‘This Time It’s Ours’ – Liverpool’s Premier League Title 24/25 Creative Film BBC Sport for BBC OneEditing – Entertainment and Comedy
WINNER – Nikki McChristie Ludwig Big Talk Studios in association with That Mitchell & Webb Company for BBC One
“The jury were blown away by the confidence of the editing, establishing a unique visual style and soundscape that introduced us to a new lead character and cast. The edit perfectly balanced and enhanced the drama and comedy at every stage.”
Nominees:
• Andy Kinnear Here We Go (Series 3) BBC Studios Comedy Productions for BBC One
• Gareth McEwen Big Boys (Series 3) Roughcut TV for Channel 4Editing – Non-scripted
WINNER – Andre Prunetti Boybands Forever Mindhouse Productions for BBC Two
“The jury felt this programme demonstrated exceptional narrative precision, a world of chaos and mania, elevated by sharp and well paced editing. It seamlessly blended archive footage with contemporary interviews into a dynamic and engaging documentary.”
Nominees:
• Nigel Buck, James Taggart & Sam Rogers Underdogs Maximum Effort and Wildstar Films for National Geographic and Disney+
• Samuel R Santana Grenfell: Uncovered Rogan Productions for NetflixEditing – Scripted
WINNER – Simon Brasse Black Doves SISTER and Noisy Bear for Netflix
“The jury felt that the sophisticated storytelling in this edge of the seat drama was captured by an edit that played games with perception, point-of-view and timing to pull the audience swiftly into an enthralling, subversive thriller.”
Nominees:
• Ben Yeates Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes Etta Pictures, a part of ITV Studios and KDJ Productions for Disney+
• Sam White What It Feels Like for a Girl Hera Pictures for BBC ThreeEffects – SFX
WINNER – Luke Murphy Andor (Season 2) Lucasfilm for Disney+
“The winner impressed the jurors with its remarkable on-set builds and large-scale practical work that added tangible realism to every frame. Expertly executed pyrotechnics and effects grounded the sci-fi world in authenticity, while the thoughtful balance between SFX and VFX created a seamless, believable environment.”
Nominees:
• Neal Champion & Henry Brook Lockerbie: A Search for Truth Carnival Films, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group for Sky Atlantic
• Stefano Pepin & Richard Stanbury Silo (Season 2) AMC Studios in association with Apple for Apple TVEffects – VFX
WINNER – Daniel Rauchwerger, Raphael Hamm, Ian Fellows & Paul Bongiovanni Silo (Season 2) AMC Studios in association with Apple for Apple TV
“The VFX team on the winning entry delivered ambitious and technically outstanding work, particularly in the underwater sequences that stood out for their complexity and realism. The scale of the environments and the intricacy of the asset builds impressed the jury, resulting in a world that feels vast, believable, and immersive.”
Nominees:
• Mohen Leo, TJ Falls, Scott Pritchard (and ILM) & Joseph Kasparian (and Hybride) Andor (Season 2) Lucasfilm for Disney+
• Stephen Coren, Mark Wellband, Fiona Stuart-Clark & Christian Stoica The Rig (Series 2) Wild Mercury Productions for Amazon StudiosLighting for Multicamera
WINNER – Nigel Catmur, Oliver Lifely, Martin Higgins & Matt Lee Gladiators (Series 2) Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK for BBC One
“A joyous, bright and bold showcase, that is integral to the mood of the show. And a skill level that is at an extraordinary level and drives the narrative of the show. This was stand out, said the jury.”
Nominees:
• David Bishop, Darren Lovell, Tom Young & Matt Lee Strictly Come Dancing BBC Studios for BBC One
• Tim Routledge, Morgan Evans & James Scott Eurovision Song Contest 2025 SRG for EBU and BBCMake Up Design – Scripted
WINNER – Barrie Gower The Last of Us (Season 2) HBO in association with Sony Pictures Television, PlayStation Productions, Word Games, The Mighty Mint and Naughty Dog for Sky Atlantic
“The winner brought exceptional prosthetic innovation to this show, combining groundbreaking research, fine-detail sculpting and character-specific design. Their work delivered a level of realism and texture that became integral to the show’s identity.”
Nominees:
• Emily Bilverstone I Fought The Law Hera Pictures for ITV1
• Vanessa White & Jane Burstow Brian and Maggie Baby Cow Productions for
Channel 4Multicamera Work
WINNER – Vince Spooner & Camera Team BBC Proms 2024 Livewire Pictures for BBC
“The jury said the multicamera work on this piece was elegantly clean every time. Exquisite and emotional, and they did an extraordinary job of making it look so good.”
Nominees:
• Camera and Editorial Team The Jury: Murder Trial (Series 2) ScreenDog Productions for Channel 4
• Camera Team Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins (Series 6) Minnow Films for
Channel 4Multicamera Work – Sport
WINNER – Will Sawrey-Cookson England v India Test Series, Final Day EMG for Sky Sports
“The coverage showcased fast, precise cutting and exceptional storytelling, most notably during Woakes’ entrance and the replay that powerfully conveyed his pain and determination with raw authenticity—becoming the defining image of the day. The director demonstrated exceptional composure and clarity under pressure, while calm, precise communication throughout the production gave the broadcast a sense of effortless choreography from the first frame to the last. A thrilling watch throughout the production.”
Nominees:
• Jamie Oakford Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid, UEFA Champions League Quarter Final 1st Leg on Prime Sunset + Vine for Prime
• Laurence Cawsey & Sky Sports Football Camera Team Super Sunday – Liverpool v Tottenham Sky SportsMusic Original Score – Non-scripted
WINNER – Leo Geyer & Jonathan Gibson The Lost Music of Auschwitz Windfall Films for Sky Arts
“The jury said this was a deeply moving, dignified score that restores lost voices with grace and emotional resonance.”
Nominees:
• Erland Cooper Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story Silverback Films for National Geographic and Disney+
• Nick Foster The Twister: Caught in the Storm RAW for NetflixMusic Original Score – Scripted
WINNER – Martin Phipps & Dan Jeffries Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes Etta Pictures, a part of ITV Studios and KDJ Productions for Disney+
“A sombre, gripping soundtrack that sensitively underscores the drama while honouring the gravity of the real events.”
Nominees:
• David Ridley & Aaron May Adolescence Warp Films, Matriarch Productions and Plan B Entertainment for Netflix
• Mykaell Riley and selected students of Music Production & Performance at University of Westminster, 2024 Boarders (Series 2) Studio Lambert for BBC ThreePhotography – Non-scripted
WINNER – Charlie Hamilton James, Johnny Rolt & Bertie Gregory Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story Silverback Films for National Geographic and Disney+
“The jury felt that the outstanding photography at the heart of the documentary not only captured the beautiful landscapes of the Shetland Islands but also created an emotional connection for the viewer with the beautiful depiction of relationships in this film.”
Nominees:
• Andy Pritchard Marw Gyda Kris / Death with Kris Twm Twm for S4C
• Marcel Mettelsiefen State of Rage Duskwater for Channel 4Photography – Scripted
WINNER – Balazs Bolygo Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes Etta Pictures, a part of ITV Studios and KDJ Productions for Disney+
“The jury were overwhelmed by the exceptional standard of work in this category. With so much craft and artistry on display, it was hard to find a shortlist of three. However, the jury loved how brilliantly the camera drew the viewer into this story, manufacturing tension without feeling exploitative and bringing a fresh cinematic language to depict events that are so often sensationalised. The eye for detail repeatedly astonished.”
Nominees:
• Sam Thomas Until I Kill You World Productions for ITV1
• Si Bell BSC What It Feels Like for a Girl Hera Pictures for BBC ThreePicture Enhancement
WINNER – Daniel Gill & James Beynon Our Oceans Wild Space Productions for Netflix
“The jury celebrated our winner for its breathtaking grade, which enhanced the natural beauty of the footage without ever feeling artificial. The vibrancy and tonal control brought life and clarity to the underwater imagery, demonstrating both artistic sensitivity and technical mastery. The picture enhancement was integral to the storytelling, elevating every frame with grace and precision.”
Nominees:
• Aidan Farrell Flight 149: Hostage of War Drum Studios for Sky
• Gelato Visual Effects Liberation: D-Day to Berlin Impossible Factual for Paramount (Paramount+) and National Geographic (Disney+)Production Design – Non-scripted
WINNER – Mathieu Weekes / Bizibot Productions The Traitors Studio Lambert for BBC One
“The design work in the castle was remarkable, with the dilapidated setting transformed through meticulous attention to detail. From spectacular games that were both playful and engaging, to the seamless integration of design, costume, and sound, every element worked in harmony, elevating the challenges and creating a captivating visual experience.”
Nominees:
• Design Department Sort Your Life Out Optomen Television for BBC
• Stephen Bryce Tempting Fortune (Series 2) Voltage TV Productions for Channel 4Production Design – Scripted
WINNER – Adam Tomlinson, Paul Tormey, Ian Tomlinson & Jordan McHale Adolescence Warp Films, Matriarch Productions and Plan B Entertainment for Netflix
“The jury were struck by how convincingly this world was built, creating an environment that felt utterly authentic and fully enabled the filming. Every space – from the lived-in family home and emotionally resonant children’s bedrooms to the elegant police station – was crafted with such thoughtful detail that it enriched the texture of the show and lifted the entire piece with quiet, confident excellence.”
Nominees:
• Gem Randall & Miri Katz What It Feels Like for a Girl Hera Pictures for BBC Three
• Tom Burton & The Production Design Team A Thousand Blows The Story Collective, Matriarch Productions and Water & Power Productions for Disney+Production Management Award
WINNER – Production Team Adolescence Warp Films, Matriarch Productions and Plan B Entertainment for Netflix
“‘How the hell did they do that?’ — that’s the question you find yourself asking at every turn. From mind-bending shooting logistics to chaperones cleverly disguised as cast members in the playground sequences, this groundbreaking series was beyond impressive. A masterclass in every aspect from logistics to welfare, mental health to sustainability.”
Nominees:
• Caroline Cox, Mandy Knight, Natalie Cross & Emily Ash Beneath the Waves/Asia A BBC Studios Natural History Unit Production co-produced with BBC America, ZDF and France Télévisions for BBC One
• Production Team Go Back to Where You Came From Minnow Films for Channel 4Sound – Non-scripted
WINNER – Kate Hopkins, Graham Wild, Renzo Spiteri, Paul Ackerman & Ellie Bowler Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story Silverback Films for National Geographic and Disney+
“The sound design was magical, helping to keep you truly in the moment. The sounds were gentle and subtle and challenging to capture, yet everything came through with authenticity, clarity and beauty. This was a sound recordist’s dream of a project and that delight comes across in the work.”
Nominees:
• Gary Kelly, Michal Maletz & Daniel Nolan Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy Grain Media for Netflix
• Gerrit Swanepoel, Jay Price, Tom Foster, Maggy Apodaca & Sound Team Surviving Black Hawk Down Ridley Scott Associates for NetflixSound – Scripted
WINNER – Sound Team Adolescence Warp Films, Matriarch Productions and Plan B Entertainment for Netflix
“Sound never felt sacrificed in this impressive piece of work. Staying true to the ambition of keeping everything feeling very in-the-moment, the challenging technical transitions were seamless and the creative decisions were strong and thoughtful.”
Nominees:
• Sound Team Lockerbie: A Search for Truth Carnival Films, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group for Sky Atlantic
• Sound Team Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes Etta Pictures, a part of ITV Studios and KDJ Productions for Disney+RTS Special Award
WINNER – Craft Team of AdolescenceThis year one show stood out, and not just because of its critical and popular acclaim, or the impact it had here and around the world.
The “one-shot” device which ran through all four episodes, was the product of meticulous pre-planning and collaboration across the entire production team. The split-second co-ordination of drones, Steadicams, specially adapted vehicles and hidden crew was vital to shooting each episode in a single take. It was a genuine team effort – as the producers told us “it’s like a gigantic play and everyone’s part is absolutely vital.”
One critic said it was “the closest thing to TV perfection in decades”.
Oustanding Contribution Award
WINNER – Hilary BriegelThis year’s winner is one of those unsung heroes and heroines of our industry, a vision mixer.
Her colleagues at the BBC say she is simply a legend, one of the best in the business. Over 30 years she has worked on countless top shows, as well as the most-watched live events including the Olympic Games and State occasions.Claire Popplewell told us “Her skill, as well as being the most generous person with her advice and guidance, is the broad range of the shows she has been involved with.”
If you have any doubts about the importance of the vision mixer to a show – even in a world of automation and AI – take note of what our recipient herself says: “Vision mixers have to be in tune with the cameras, listen to the director and interpret their vision of the show. You look at shows now like Strictly and X Factor and they’re beautifully cut. If the vision mixer makes a mistake the timing is ruined”.
Image: Winner, editing scripted – Simon Brasse Black Doves SISTER and Noisy Bear for Netflix
Pippa Considine
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