AWARDS ceremonies.

Yes, they are important.

No matter what anyone says, it is always good to get positive feedback for a job well done.

And this is particularly vital when you are making something like a film or television programme.

You need people to watch it, and like it.

And if it is a smaller production, you need those people to tell other people and so on.

But, while it is important to reward pretty much anyone for excellence in their chosen field, I have come to the reluctant conclusion none of it should be televised.

Just because these people entertain for a living, does not mean seeing them say thank you to a crowd of their peers is going to be entertaining.

Maybe my memory is playing tricks on me - but I am sure they used to be more interesting when I was a kid than they are now.

The BAFTA film awards this week did nothing to persuade me these awards shows are just, well, dull.

Joanna Lumley battled gamely on, once again, with a script devoid of anything ressembling a joke, starting off with an excruciating sketch where she dressed up in costumes from some of the main films of the year.

Oh, how absolutely no-one in the country laughed when she was dolled up as Queen Anne and then Mary Poppins.

No-one in the audience laughed.

The only bit I managed to watch which even changed the expression ever so slightly on my face was when actor Will Poulton followed up his delivery of a not very funny bit of the introduction by pointing out it was a joke.

The lack of jokes isn't my main gripe however.

It's how boring the whole thing is.

If it is going to be on the television for two hours on a primetime slot, could the speeches not be a bit more interesting.

I totally understand an element of surprise at winning but if you have been nominated then there is a one-in-five chance you will be heading up there in order to say a few words.

So have something even slightly witty or interesting ready why don't you?

Don't go on about your beliefs. You are entitled to them, and to mention them, but don't turn it into preaching about religion/politics/the planet dying.

These are always important issues, don't get me wrong - but I don't want to feel battered about the head by it.

I am ashamed to admit I gave up in the end, shortly after the chap who won best supporting actor more or less dismissed awards ceremonies by saying he usually liked to "let the work do the talking" but, well, since I have won tonight, don't mind if I do.

Whilst maintaining their rictus grins for the camera, I should imagine those who didn't win were silently all wondering why he hadn't just carried on just letting the work do the talking.

My suggestion is a highlights show later in the evening or the next night, like they used to do with the Oscars before it got sold to Sky.

You get to skip the 80 per cent dull content whilst enjoying the red carpet bit, the best speeches and the bit remembering those we have lost.

We can all marvel at the best, and worst, sartorial choices and find out who has won - which I am actually quite interested in, without falling asleep through boredom in between.