NTAs 2023; as Sarah Lancashire wins the Special Recognition award, what is it and who else has won it?

By Benjamin Jackson

5th Sep 2023, 8:57pm

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With the NTAs in full swing, we’re eagerly awaiting the announcement who the Special Recognition Award winner is

While most of the awards and the nominees have been announced ahead of the National Television Awards, currently broadcasting live on ITV One and ITVX, there is one award that we only discover the recipient of the evening on the ceremony - the Special Recognition award. Moments ago, we discovered that Sarah Lancashire was the recipient of the award - but what is it?

The Special Recognition Award at the National Television Awards (NTAs) is a prestigious honour that acknowledges individuals or programs in the television industry for their exceptional contributions, outstanding achievements, or profound impact on television and broadcasting.

This award is not presented annually but is reserved for those whose work transcends the ordinary and significantly influences the landscape of British television.

Recipients of the Special Recognition award are typically individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields or who have made significant contributions to television over their careers. The award is a way to pay tribute to their remarkable work and celebrate their lasting legacy in the industry.

Who has previously been honoured with the Special Recognition award at the NTAs?

1995: Julie Goodyear
1996: David Jason
1997: Robson Green
1998: John Thaw
1999: Michael Barrymore
2000: Chris Tarrant
2001: Des O’Connor
2002: Ant and Dec
2003: Sir Trevor McDonald
2004: Caroline Quentin
2005: Jamie Oliver
2006: Sir David Attenborough
2007: Jeremy Clarkson
2008: Simon Cowell

MCC president Stephen Fry prior to Day Two of the LV= Insurance Ashes 2nd Test match between England and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground on June 29, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

MCC president Stephen Fry prior to Day Two of the LV= Insurance Ashes 2nd Test match between England and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground on June 29, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

2009: Stephen Fry
2010: Bruce Forsyth
2011: Jonathan Ross
2013: Joanna Lumley
2014: No award presented
2015: David Tennant
2016: Sir Billy Connolly
2017: Graham Norton
2018: Paul O’Grady: For The Love of Dogs
2019: David Dimbleby
2020: Sir Michael Palin
2021: Line of Duty
2022: Sir Lenny Henry
2023: Sarah Lancashire

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