Maltese musician and sound designer Renzo Spiteri has been honoured at the Royal Television Society (RTS) Craft & Design Awards 2025, winning in the sound category for his work on the acclaimed National Geographic documentary Billy and Molly: An Otter Love Story.

Mr Spiteri was part of a five-person sound team recognised for their recording work on the film, which aired on National Geographic and Disney+. Shot in Scotland, the 2024 feature tells the tender true story of a wild otter, Molly, and her bond with her human rescuer, Billy Mail.

Reacting to the news on social media, the Glasgow-based artist said he was “speechless”, adding: “Thanks to the awesome team behind this wonderful project. What a journey!”

The achievement follows an earlier Emmy nomination for Mr Spiteri’s contribution to the same documentary. The film went on to win an Emmy for outstanding writing.

The RTS ceremony, held last night at the Hilton London and hosted by Northern Irish presenter Christine Lampard, celebrated excellence across 29 craft and design categories. The BBC led the evening with seven awards, while Netflix and Disney each picked up two. Mr Spiteri’s project also secured accolades for directing and photography.

Emma Gormley, chair of the RTS Craft & Design Awards, praised the breadth of skill represented across this year’s winners. “This year’s winners show the full scope of this talent – from camerawork, production, costume and make-up to sound and much more.”

Mr Spiteri is known for blending traditional, experimental and contemporary techniques, often incorporating natural and environmental soundscapes into his compositions. His sound installations have been exhibited at Spazju Kreattiv and Palazzo de Piro in Mdina.

The Royal Television Society, considered the world’s oldest television society, is a UK-based educational charity that supports the industry through lectures, debates, conferences and training initiatives. Its annual Programme Awards and Craft & Design Awards remain among the sector’s most respected honours.

According to the RTS, last night’s awards “recognise outstanding achievements across all genres and disciplines, and on both sides of the camera.”