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EE British Academy Film Awards: New Venue Announced For 2017

8 November 2016

The ceremony will be held at the Royal Albert Hall and will feature Cirque du Soleil

Stephen Fry is confirmed to host the ceremony for a 12th year

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced today that the EE British Academy Film Awards will be held at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall, taking place on Sunday 12 February 2017. Stephen Fry will be returning to host the ceremony for a 12th time as BAFTA celebrates its 70th anniversary.

BAFTA is also delighted to announce that the ceremony will feature entertainment company Cirque du Soleil, which will be in residence at the Royal Albert Hall at the time of the Awards with its latest touring show, Amaluna.

Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive of BAFTA, said: “Both BAFTA and the Royal Albert Hall enjoy a long history of showcasing world-class talent, making this iconic and treasured building the perfect fit for the Film Awards. I am also thrilled we have the opportunity to work with Cirque du Soleil, during its season at the Royal Albert Hall, and have no doubt that next year’s ceremony will be all the more magical for this creative collaboration.”

Lucy Noble, Director of Events at the Royal Albert Hall said: “It is a thrill and an honour for the Royal Albert Hall to be hosting the EE British Academy Film Awards. We have had some glittering film premieres here at the Hall and we have a thriving programme of films with live orchestra, so it is fitting for us to host the world’s most prestigious ceremony to honour the best British and international contributions to film next February.”

Daniel Lamarre, President & CEO of Cirque du Soleil, said: “As creators, we are constantly inspired by various artists and art forms, and the world of film is a particularly great muse. To have the opportunity to be part of the BAFTA ceremony and join our long-time partner the Royal Albert Hall in a celebration of Britain’s best film talents is both a great honour and a source of inspiration.”

As previously announced, nominations for the EE British Academy Film Awards will be announced on Tuesday 10 January 2017.

For further information, please contact:

Kerry McGlone at freuds
T 020 3003 6648
E [email protected]

About BAFTA

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is an independent charity that supports, develops and promotes the art forms of the moving image by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public. In addition to its Awards ceremonies, BAFTA has a year-round programme of learning events and initiatives – featuring workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures and mentoring schemes – in the UK, USA and Asia; it offers unique access to the world’s most inspiring talent and connects with a global audience of all ages and backgrounds. BAFTA relies on income from membership subscriptions, individual donations, trusts, foundations and corporate partnerships to support its ongoing outreach work. To access the best creative minds in film, television and games production, visit www.bafta.org/guru. For more, visit www.bafta.org.

About the Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall is the world’s most famous stage. Over the past 144 years, it has hosted everyone from Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein and Edward Elgar to The Beatles, Bob Dylan and Adele. Last year, its breathtaking auditorium presented 388 events by the world’s greatest performers – taking in rock, pop and classical music, dance, films, Cirque du Soleil and even tennis – with the magical setting and inspired artists creating amazing memories for audiences.

Opened in 1871 to fulfil Prince Albert’s vision of a central hall to promote the arts and sciences, the Hall is a registered charity that remains true to his founding ambitions within a modern context. It hosts over 400 events a year in its secondary space, the Elgar Room, and beyond, broadening the Hall’s appeal to incorporate younger and more diverse audiences. Its Education & Outreach programme reaches more than 150,000 participants each year, working with schools, young people and the community, as well as other charities such as Music for Youth, as part of its extensive public benefit remit. www.royalalberthall.com

About Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil is primarily a creative content provider for a wide variety of unique projects. In addition to shows, the company, which has its International Headquarters in Montreal, extends its creative talent to other spheres of activity. While maintaining stringent standards of artistic quality and originality, Cirque du Soleil brings to innovative projects the same energy and spirit that characterize each of its shows.

Cirque du Soleil is a Québec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. Since its beginnings in 1984, almost 160 million spectators in over 400 cities in 60 countries have been thrilled by Cirque du Soleil. In 2016, 18 shows are being simultaneously presented around the world. Cirque du Soleil has been the recipient of many prestigious awards, including the Emmy, Drama Desk, Bambi, ACE, Gémeaux, Félix and Rose d'Or de Montreux. For more information visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.