UK: Wallace and Gromit scoop top awards at Baftas

The team behind Wallace and Gromit has picked up two gongs at the Baftas awards ceremony.

The winning film, Vengeance Most Fowl, sees the return of evil penguin Feathers McGraw and was created at Bristol-based animation studios Aardman.

“It’s such a wonderful privilege to be working at Aardman every day with such obscenely talented artists and crafts people so passionate about creativity and we’re so lucky to have our fabulous cast,” said Nick Park, the film’s creator.

The film, which is also nominated for an Oscar, took home Best Animated Film and Children’s Family Film at the awards in London.

Mr Park appeared on stage during their first win alongside Merlin Crossingham and Richard Beek, to pick up the children’s and family award presented by US singer Camila Cabello.

Mr Park said Ben Whitehead, who became the voice of Wallace following Peter Sallis’s death, had filled “massive shoes”.

The category is new for 2025 and recognises the best films that appeal to children, young people, and adults.

When the team picked up its second Bafta, for animated film, Mr Park joked: “I didn’t actually write a second speech.

“Well, the main thing, people often say as animators you need a lot of patience, and it is very true, but the people who have patience is our loved ones.”

In the film, technology becomes a wedge between Wallace and his pet beagle Gromit after his smart gnome, Norbot, appears to develop a mind of its own.

The animation premiered on the BBC on Christmas Day 2024 and includes cameos from comedian Peter Kay, Mandy’s Diane Morgan, Bridgerton actress Adjoa Andoh and comedian Sir Lenny Henry.

Charlotte Moore, BBC chief content officer, said: “Huge congratulations to Nick, Merlin and the Aardman team for their richly deserved double Bafta Film Award win for Vengeance Most Fowl.

“Wallace and Gromit’s latest adventure has proven itself to be a uniquely British success story.

“Norbot had better get building a new awards cabinet!”

The first Wallace And Gromit film was 1989’s A Grand Day Out, which was followed by The Wrong Trousers, A Close Shave, The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit and A Matter Of Loaf And Death.

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