The British Invasion

   The United Kingdom has always influenced Canada and North America. From royal weddings and movies to boy bands and fashion trends, there’s no denying Canadians have a fascination with the U.K. This fascination has even transcended over to award shows.
   The United Kingdom’s most well known award show is the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), which were held of February 12, 2012.  The BAFTAs honour the best in film from any nationality as long as it played in British theatres.
   This year awards went to The Artist for best film, Jean Dujardin for leading actor, and Meryl Streep for leading actress.


    
    Since the award show is so widely known it begs the question should the BAFTAs air in Canada?
   “I don’t know. I think it depends on whether or not they have an audience here. And considering we are a part of the Commonwealth they might have an audience here,” Flora Devarajah said.

The cast and crew of the Artist show off their awards

   Another factor to consider is which network would air them.
   “If the CBC would to air it, it would get a lot of ratings because it’s kind of a big deal,” Devarajah continued.
   Many consider the BAFTAs to be the British equivalent to the Oscars, which may add to Canadian networks’ reluctance to air them here.
  “Well I guess there isn’t any point because it’s pretty much the same thing except the BAFTAS acknowledge British film particular,” Devarajah said.   
  Not only do the BAFTAs praise British films but they also have a separate award show for British television.



   “There would be more of a reason [to air the BAFTAs] if more British television was aired in Canada.”
    Many people are fans of British television, but resort to watching it online since Canadian networks don’t usually air them.
    Another thought to consider is that the BRIT awards, which can be described as the British version of the MTV Video Music Awards, was aired in Canada on Much Music. The award show celebrates both British recording artists as well as international ones.

Singer Adele performed her hit "Rolling in the Deep" as well as took home two awards

   Since the BRITs were aired in Canada it is obvious that Canada does have an interest in British award shows.
   In a society that is highly fascinated with British culture is it only a matter of time before British award shows make its way across the pond?