Matthew Rhys Claims Second Bafta Cymru for The Beast in Me

Key points

• Matthew Rhys won Best Actor at the Bafta Cymru Awards for The Beast in Me, his second win in the category.
• His previous Bafta Cymru win was 29 years ago for the Welsh-language film Bydd yn Wro.
• Carol Vorderman received an award for outstanding contribution, describing herself as humbled and excited.
• Lauren Evans won the inaugural Outstanding Contribution to Craft award and Best Casting.
• Gabrielle Creevy won her second Best Actress award, while Y Crwydryn won Single Documentary.
• The ceremony took place at the ICC Wales in Newport, presenting 17 awards in total.

Background

Matthew Rhys has had a historic awards season, having previously won dual lead acting Emmys for Widow’s Bay and The Beast in Me in September 2026. He became the first performer to win lead acting prizes in drama, comedy, and limited series categories, as well as the first to win two lead acting trophies in a single night. The Bafta Cymru win adds to this recent momentum, recognizing his continued prominence in Welsh and international screen industries.

Why it matters

The Bafta Cymru Awards highlight the growing recognition of Welsh talent in global screen industries. Rhys’s win underscores the impact of Welsh productions like The Beast in Me on international platforms. The ceremony also emphasizes efforts to elevate Welsh creatives, as noted by winner Lauren Evans, who highlighted the need to continue supporting local talent despite improving industry openness.

What to watch

The Bafta Cymru Awards have concluded for 2026, with 17 prizes awarded. Matthew Rhys continues his awards season momentum following his Emmy wins. No further ceremonies or announcements were mentioned in the source. The focus remains on the recognition of Welsh screen industries and the contributions of its talent.