Eurovision 2023 Executive Producer Andrew Cartmell has reflected on the show’s recent award wins, saying it shows the contest is “taken seriously now as a music programme”. 

Last year’s contest was hosted and produced by British broadcaster BBC, and the three live shows recently won a number of awards. 

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• Eurovision 2023’s recent award wins highlight its newfound credibility as a serious music program, according to Executive Producer Andrew Cartmell
• The show secured accolades at prestigious events like the Broadcast Awards and RTS Awards, winning categories such as Best Music Programme and Best Live Event
• Cartmell recognises a shift in perception regarding Eurovision in the UK, noting increased interest from industry professionals and a growing recognition of its quality since 2022

Among the highlights were at the Broadcast Awards where the show picked up a nomination for TV Moment of the Year with the Liverpool Songbook interval act, and won the Best Music Programme category. 

Speaking exclusively to The Euro Trip, Andrew Cartmell said: “We were up against some of our colleagues in BBC Studios for the coverage of Glastonbury, The Coronation Concert, and there was a Sam Smith concert too. 

“It was a really tough category. 

“What was brilliant about that was we won an award for best music.

“As Eurovision fans know, the standard of the music at Eurovision has got better and better in recent years. 

“To win Best Music Programme is a bit of a credibility thing from the TV industry that Eurovision is taken seriously now as a music programme. 

“It’s good that we’re being seen to win those awards against the likes of Glastonbury.” 

The Broadcast Awards celebrate and reward the best television made by broadcasters all across the UK, not just the BBC. 

As well as two gongs at the Broadcast Awards, Eurovision 2023 also won Best Live Event at the RTS Awards, while host Hannah Waddingham picked up a trophy for Best Entertainment Performance. 

At the RTS Craft Awards, Tim Routledge, James Scott and Morgan Evans were recognised for their work on the show’s lighting, while the wider production team were awarded Best Production Management Team. 

Eurovision 2023 has also been nominated for two BAFTAs. Hannah Waddingham is up for Best Entertainment Performance, and the show itself is nominated for Best Live Event Coverage. The event takes place one day after the 2024 Eurovision Grand Final. 

“People want to work on it. Everybody wants to work on it,” Cartmell added. 

“When Lee [Smithurst] and I were first working on the show, we were finding directors, music directors, lighting directors; everyone wanted to do it. 

“I’d like to think a lot of people would’ve still wanted to have done it a few years ago, but that shift in perception in the UK, in terms of how the contest is seen, everything changed from 2022 onwards. 

“I stand up proud now, we deserve it.”

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