Press release
London, 12th October 2007/... The British Academy of Film and Television Arts today announced that comic legend Vic Reeves will host this year’s British Academy Video Games Awards in association with PC World.
Reeves, one half of legendary off-the-wall comedy coupling, Reeves and Mortimer, whose Shooting Stars won a BAFTA back in 1996, recently walked away with this year’s Loaded LAFTAS Legend award. Hilary Bevan Jones, Chairman of the Academy said “We are thrilled to have Vic fronting these Awards. His sheer exuberance, off-beat humour and love of video games make him the perfect choice.”Vic loves playing video games with his wife Nancy and was also chosen by BAFTA for his artistic appreciation of, and involvement in, contemporary popular culture. Painting was his original career plan and he attended a foundation course in London's East End and worked in a gallery in the mid-80s while continuing to paint and draw. He has also exhibited at the Royal Academy and many other galleries.
The Academy is known for recognising excellence within the more traditional art forms of the moving image, but last year really embraced video games seriously and is now firmly committed to this fast-moving, cutting edge, contemporary art form. This year’s Awards ceremony, to be held at Battersea Evolution, in London on 23 October, will reward the individuals behind the very best in artistic, creative and technical innovation in video games. There will be two live musical acts this year, with indie rock band Athlete confirmed so far.
This year’s Awards will include the publicly-voted PC World Gamers Award and a new BAFTA Ones To Watch Award in association with Dare to be Digital. Online voting for the PC World Gamers Award is live now at www.obsessedwithgames.co.uk
