The 100 Collection
BAFTA Archive
For the first time, photographs from the Academy Archive have been made available to the public in digitised format. Spanning four decades, from 1951-1985, this BETA version features black and white photography from past Awards ceremonies and key moments in the Academy’s evolution.
The 100 Collection has been made possible by generous funding from the David Lean BAFTA Foundation and represents the first phase of a large-scale project aiming to digitise the Academy’s Archival holdings.
Lord Attenborough
BAFTA Archive
From his first film appearance as a young actor in 1942’s In Which We Serve, to an epic array of outstanding achievements as a director and producer across many more decades, Richard Attenborough occupies a special place in the history of British cinema.
As the Academy’s current President, he continues to play a pivotal role in our celebration of excellence in the art forms of the moving image having been present at key milestones and major occasions in our history.
Sir David Lean
BAFTA Archive
Sir David Lean provided cinema with some of its most memorable moments and he remains one of Britain’s most revered and inspirational film-makers. Lean also had a huge impact on the Academy’s history, working from its inception in 1947 to champion the art forms of the moving image .
In the year of his centenary, our showcase explores Sir David Lean’s remarkable career and his influence on the Academy. Opening up our Archive, we reveal rare documents, trace his career highlights and republish BAFTA articles paying tribute to the master film-maker.
BAFTA Archive
Introducing the Academy Archive
For the first time, we open-up the BAFTA Archive to the public and provide a first look into...
The changing face of Academy Awards
The famous BAFTA mask isn’t the only Award to be presented by the Academy in recognition of excellence...
BAFTA Archive
The Making of Lawrence of Arabia
We open-up the pages of a 1962 Academy Journal dedicated to Lawrence of Arabia, and explore Lean...
BAFTA Archive
The Academy's First Meeting
From the Academy Archive, an extraordinary record of the historic first meeting of the British...
BAFTA Archive
Lean's Letter to the Academy
From the late 1960s, David Lean’s letter offers an extraordinary insight into the Academy’s origins...
BAFTA Archive
What Price Glory?
In an extract from the Academy's 1952 Quarterly publication, David Lean debates the cost of ‘Prestige...
Watch Archive Clips
Origins of the Academy
George Clarke tells the story of the British Academy and the dedicated, passionate individuals who have ensured its survival.