My term as Chair of BAFTA North America will end on December 31, and this is my final letter to you, our treasured members. It has been my great joy and honor to serve as Chair of this wonderful organization, and I am filled with gratitude.
Much has changed since my tenure began five years ago. BAFTA Los Angeles and BAFTA New York were separate entities. Through hard work and determination, we merged to become a single institution—BAFTA North America, and I had the great distinction of serving as its first Chair. I am happy to report that we are stronger together.
A succession of unprecedented challenges tested that strength immediately. We faced a worldwide pandemic, an overdue reckoning and demand for social justice, and two industry strikes. But I can proudly say that as an organization and a community, we persevered and came out even stronger.
I take pride in the significant strides we’ve made in our Learning, Inclusion and Talent programs, including our Vance Byrd Mentorship program, The Struggle To Be Seen conversation series, and the creation of BAFTA Breakthrough USA. Thank you to the many members who devoted their time and passion to make these initiatives and so many more possible.
I am grateful to have been a part of the Yugo BAFTA Student Awards, which began here in Los Angeles as a competition for local film schools. Now including Games and Immersive categories, it has blossomed into what may be the biggest and most prestigious student award competition in the world. It was such a joy to celebrate the incredibly talented finalists at the beginning of their promising careers!
Along with providing an on-ramp for young talent, we also sought to recognize established artists who have made significant contributions to our industry with a new laurel, the BAFTA Special Award. And who better to be the first recipient of that award than the creative force that is Shonda Rhimes?
These are just a few of the initiatives that I’ve been thrilled to help foster. But of course, it is a complete team effort. In the spirit of gratitude, there are scores of people who have made my tenure so satisfying.
Thank you to all the Board members that I’ve had the pleasure of serving with. Your energy, insight and dedication to BAFTA was an inspiration to witness.
To Head of BAFTA North America, Matthew Wiseman, thank you for your incredible service to BAFTA over the years. So much of what we achieved in North America could not have happened without you.
I’d also like to thank the fantastic staff in North America: Arwen Barr, Samantha Gordon, Lisa Harrison, Dulce Hernandez, Pete Modeste, Tina Sanchez, Marisa Torres, and Wayne Watkins. I’ve seen you working day and night, and I am in awe of all that you’ve done for our beloved organization. It was an honor to serve with you.
Finally, to our BAFTA members, I’d like to express my deepest gratitude and admiration. It was the thrill of a lifetime to serve and lead you, and I look forward to being a member alongside you.
Here’s wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a beautiful 2024!
Kathryn Busby
Chair, BAFTA North America
