Diversity’s performance on Britain’s Got Talent is in the running to be voted best TV moment at the BAFTAs.
The routine, inspired by Black Lives Matter, is among six nominees for the Virgin Media Must-See Moment Award, which is based on public voting.
The other nominees are:
- Penelope being revealed as Lady Whistledown in the Netflix period drama Bridgerton
- Abusive husband Gray Atkins killing Chantelle in BBC One’s EastEnders
- Luke Skywalker appearing in The Mandalorian on Disney+
- Nigella Lawson’s mispronunciation of the word microwave on BBC Two’s Cook, Eat, Repeat
- Channel 4’s Gogglebox with its armchair critics responding to Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s coronavirus press conferences
The four-minute Diversity routine sparked around 24,500 complaints from members of the public in the few weeks after it aired on ITV on 5 September last year.
Media regulator Ofcom said it would not investigate, as the dance did not raise issues which warranted examination under its broadcasting rules.
The complaints included concerns that the themes of violence and racism were inappropriate for family viewing, that it expressed support for the political organisation Black Lives Matter, that it encouraged violence against the police, and that it was racist towards white people.
Ofcom said at the time it had also received a number of messages of support and praise for the routine.
Hannah Wyatt, chairwoman of BAFTA’s television committee, said: “Television in 2020 showcased the importance of entertainment and demonstrated incredible craft, gripping scriptwriting and brilliant visual spectacles which captivated the British viewer.
“From bringing nostalgic favourites back, to raising awareness about hugely important issues, the shows and moments nominated for Virgin Media’s Must-See Moment Award 2021 reflect our TV habits of the last year and perfectly celebrate the relationship between the TV viewers at home and the people who make it.
“I can’t wait to see who the public choose to be their Virgin Media Must-See Moment winner, in what is sure to be a close contest.”
Comedian Richard Ayoade is hosting the BAFTAs for a second year, with the ceremony to be broadcast on 6 June.