Netflix Wins First BAFTA Award With 'Breaking Bad'

19 May, 2014 By: Erik Gruenwedel

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Due to rule change, exclusive subscription streaming access of “Bad” enabled Netflix to win first British trophy — and beat out its own “House of Cards”

In a twist, Netflix May 18 won its first British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) award (Best International Drama) on the back of “Breaking Bad” — and not original series “House of Cards.”

“Breaking Bad,” which is produced by Sony Pictures Television and broadcast exclusively on AMC Networks in the United States, is available only through Netflix in the United Kingdom.

Following a precedent set by The Emmys in the U.S., BAFTA also agreed to allow online-only series to compete against TV broadcasts. Ironically, “Breaking Bad” beat out Netflix original series “House of Cards,” in addition to French supernatural series “The Returned,” and Denmark’s political drama, “Borgen.”

Actor Aaron Paul was on hand to accept the award for “Breaking Bad.”

Of course, “Cards,” is a remake of the BBC’s “House of Cards,” which followed the 1990 British political establishment at the end of Margaret Thatcher's tenure as Prime Minister.

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