Meet 2026's EE Rising Star
Meet 2026's EE Rising Star
Championing accessibility: The Assembly
The 2026 BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises: Portraits
The BAFTA Film Awards are presented annually to recognise, honour and reward individuals for outstanding human achievement in feature films released in the UK within the Awards year.
All eligible feature films must have a running time of at least 70 minutes.
Films must be released theatrically to the UK public for the first time between 1 January 2026 and 19 February 2027.
An extension is granted for Films Not in the English Language and Documentaries. These films must be released theatrically to the UK public for the first time between 1 January 2026 and 19 March 2027. Please note this extension does not apply to the Best Film category.
The 2028 Awards eligibility period will start on 1 January 2027.
The Film Committee, on behalf of the Board of Governors, is the final arbiter of any and all Awards eligibility matters, including any matters not explicitly addressed in the rulebook.
Some categories have additional eligibility criteria. Please see the relevant category section of these Rules & Guidelines for specific guidance.
Theatrical Release Requirements
Films must have had a theatrical run of at least 10 commercial screenings in the UK for at least seven days in aggregate (or the equivalent of a minimum of 70 screenings) to qualify in all categories except Best Film.
A lower threshold is required for Films Not in the English Language and Documentaries which must have had at least one commercial screening in the UK for at least seven days in aggregate (or the equivalent of a minimum of 7 screenings) to qualify in all categories except Best Film.
A higher threshold is required for films to qualify in Best Film, which is a theatrical run of more than 50 commercial screenings in the UK for at least seven days in aggregate (or the equivalent of a minimum of 350 screenings).
Debut British titles which have been exhibited publicly on at least one commercial screen in the UK for no fewer than seven days in aggregate may be eligible for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer. Please see Outstanding Debut for more information.
It is the intention of the rules that the UK public should have had an opportunity to see entered films prior to the ceremony and films should therefore have been screened and marketed to a paying UK public audience within the eligibility period. Films should not be screened purely to qualify them, and the Film Committee will not accept an entry that otherwise meets the required thresholds if they do not deem the release to have been meaningful.
Films from all countries are eligible in all relevant feature categories once they meet the required minimum UK theatrical screening threshold, except for Outstanding British Film and Outstanding Debut which are for British films only.
Films that receive their first public exhibition or distribution in any manner other than as a theatrical release, live performances filmed for another medium, such as theatre, and films which have previously entered the BAFTA Film, Television or Television Craft Awards, are not eligible for consideration.
In exceptional circumstances, a film which has been available to the UK public through other forms of distribution (e.g. event cinema) may be considered for entry. Entrants must contact [email protected] before 29 October 2026 if they wish to appeal for consideration.
Clip Usage & Licence Agreements
By submitting a film for the 2027 BAFTA Film Awards (the “Awards”) consideration in any category, the film’s owners are deemed to have conveyed to BAFTA, the right to choose excerpts/clips, at BAFTA’s sole discretion, from the film and from all approved and available promotional materials relating to the film, including, but not limited to: publicity stills, posters and Electronic Press Kits (EPK) (e.g. trailers and behind the scenes B-roll), and/or its screenplay, music clips, before and after portfolios, which are submitted to BAFTA in connection with the film’s Awards consideration for inclusion into the worldwide all media usage of the Awards and on the BAFTA website and associated websites (including but not limited to, YouTube.com/BAFTA, Facebook.com/BAFTA, @BAFTA on X, Instagram and TikTok) for use solely in the context of the Awards for a 14 month period from January 2027.
BAFTA hereby confirms that it shall not select any clip which could be construed as disparaging, or as a ‘spoiler’ for any viewer who has not yet seen the film, however BAFTA requires the freedom to select suitable clips in order to illustrate the craft or the individual nominated and in order to complement the clips selected for the other nominated films and/or individuals. Part of BAFTA’s charitable remit is to promote excellence to as large an audience as possible. In order to fulfil this requirement, BAFTA intends to make clips and high-res film stills (1mb/300ppi) of longlisted and nominated films available to the public on BAFTA’s websites and social media channels and to UK and international media solely for editorial usage, in connection with the Awards for the duration of the campaign.
The film owners shall have obtained all the aforementioned rights and clearances from the talent appearing in the film, as well as all other represented personnel. Owners of nominated films are obligated to provide to BAFTA (and/or their co-production company), a high-definition digital copy of the film in the BAFTA-requested format, along with all approved promotional materials relating to the film, in the highest quality formats available, no later than five days after being requested to do so by BAFTA (and/or their co-production company). BAFTA (and its co-production company) will maintain all materials under appropriate security.
A separate Clip Usage technical specification, with all applicable deadlines, will be issued to all Entrants in October 2026 to ensure the timely delivery of all necessary fully cleared assets.
| 22 July 2026 | Entry opens at entry.bafta.org |
|---|---|
| 11 Sept 2026 | BAFTA View, Stage One and Outstanding Debut deadline for films released before 30 June |
| 15 Sept 2026 | BAFTA View opens to film voting members |
| 30 Sept 2026 | BFI Diversity Standards deadline for Outstanding British Film and Outstanding Debut. EE Rising Star suggestions deadline |
| 29 Oct 2026 | Stage One entry & Outstanding Debut entry deadline |
| 10 Nov 2026 | Categories and Viewing Groups published |
| 19 Nov 2026 | Stage Two entry & payment deadline |
| 26 Nov 2026 | Draft Entered Films List shared with entrants and members |
| Statements and Q&As published to BAFTA View | |
| 30 Nov 2026 | Deadline for entrants to request changes to Draft Entered Films List |
| 4 Dec 2026 | BAFTA View deadline for films released on or after 1 July |
| Entered Films List published | |
| Round One voting opens at 10:00 GMT | |
| 29 Dec 2026 | Round One voting in the acting categories closes at 18:00 GMT |
| 4 Jan 2027 | Round One voting in all other categories closes at 18:00 GMT |
| 7 Jan 2027 | Longlists published |
| Round Two voting opens at 16:00 GMT | |
| 9 Jan 2027 | BAFTA Tea Party (Los Angeles) |
| 11 Jan 2027 | Sound clip deadline |
| 12 Jan 2027 | Longlisted Sound clip screenings |
| 14 Jan 2027 | Round Two voting closes at 18:00 GMT |
| 19 Jan 2027 | Nominations announced |
| SVFX reels deadline | |
| 26 Jan 2027 | Round Three voting opens at 10:00 GMT |
| 16 Feb 2027 | Round Three voting closes at 18:00 GMT |
| 20 Feb 2027 | BAFTA Film Awards Nominees’ Party |
| 21 Feb 2027 | EE BAFTA Film Awards |
Films must be made available on BAFTA View within 60 days of first day of UK theatrical release.
Some categories have additional deadlines. Please see the relevant category section of these rules & guidelines for specific guidance.
BAFTA accepts no responsibility for entrants missing deadlines.
A film may be entered by its producer or UK distributor or a representative thereof (‘entrant’).
There is a three-stage entry process to enter a feature film.
All films entered for the BAFTA Film Awards must be made available on BAFTA View by the deadlines outlined in the Timetable and Deadlines section of these rules & guidelines.
1. BAFTA View – Make the film available to voters
It is an eligibility requirement that all films entered for the BAFTA Film Awards must be made available on BAFTA’s online screening platform, BAFTA View.
Films should be made available within 60 days of UK theatrical release, specifically:
Films releasing after 1 December may be granted a BAFTA View extension to 18 December 2026 upon appeal. All appeals must be received before 29 October 2026.
The first stage of the entry process is to gather information for publication on BAFTA View.
Entrants are required to provide:
If the video files are not yet ready for upload, entrants are then given the option to skip ahead to the next stage of entry but must return to provide the rest of the information before the deadline.
A descriptive subtitled video must be provided for the film to be made available on BAFTA View. A strict appeals process is in place for films which are unable to provide a descriptive subtitled version. Entrants must contact [email protected] as soon as possible to appeal.
Entrants are responsible for ensuring that both video files have successfully uploaded and transcoded before submitting to the BAFTA View stage. BAFTA is unable to make films available to voters on BAFTA View until the BAFTA View stage is completed and submitted by the entrant.
Where a film is released in the UK in more than one language version, only one version can be entered, and this should be the version which had the widest theatrical release in the UK within the eligibility period. The title of the film both on the entry form and on all campaign materials should be as released and marketed in the UK.
All films, without exception, must remain available on BAFTA View for the duration of each subsequent voting round if longlisted or nominated.
2. Stage One – Confirm eligibility and categories
This stage of the entry process is to confirm the film’s eligibility in the Awards and select categories.
Entrants are required to provide the following information to complete this stage:
Stage One must be completed and submitted before 11 September 2026 for films released between 1 January – 30 June, or by 29 October 2026 for all other films.
BAFTA reserves the right not to permit a film to enter a category if the required information is not supplied.
Once the Stage One entry form is approved, an invoice will be issued to cover the film’s entry fee. This invoice must be paid before 19 November 2026. BAFTA reserves the right to withdraw any unpaid entries from consideration at any time.
Some categories have additional entry requirements in Stage One. Please see the relevant category section of these Rules & Guidelines for specific guidance.
3. Stage Two – Confirming candidates for nomination
This stage of the entry process is to confirm the eligible candidates for nomination in approved categories.
Entrants are required to provide the following information to complete this stage:
Stage Two must be completed and submitted before 19 November 2026.
Further information regarding candidates for nomination may be requested and entrants will be given deadlines to respond. BAFTA reserves the right to list individual nominees as ‘TBC’ if the required information is insufficient or not supplied in time.
Films cannot be withdrawn from consideration by entrants on any grounds once Round One of voting has begun and the Entered Films List has been published.
Some categories have additional entry requirements in Stage Two. Please see the relevant category section of these Rules & Guidelines for specific guidance.
An entry fee is charged per entered film.
The fee is calculated based on the categories that the film is eligible to enter.
| Films eligible for Outstanding British Film, Documentary, Film Not in the English Language. Films eligible in these categories can enter into all categories at this rate (including Best Film if they meet the theatrical release threshold for the category) | £1,000 |
|---|---|
| All other films which had a theatrical run of less than 50 commercial screenings in the UK for at least seven days in aggregate (or the equivalent of a minimum of 350 screenings). These films are not eligible for Best Film. | £6,000 |
| All other films which had a theatrical run of more than 50 commercial screenings in the UK for at least seven days in aggregate (or the equivalent of a minimum of 350 screenings). These films are eligible for Best Film | £12,000 |
| Films entering Outstanding Debut category ONLY | No Fee |
A reduced fee of £6,000 is granted for films which enter the Family Film category only, even if they have had a theatrical run of more than 350 screenings.
On application, an alternative fee may be granted, including for films which wish to be considered for a maximum of two craft/performance categories only, regardless of theatrical run.
Entry fees must be paid by 19 November 2026.
Any films or proposed candidates for nomination who fall outside of the rules will not be accepted without a formal appeal. Appeals should contain short statements from the film’s producer(s), from the individual(s) concerned and from team members working directly with the individual(s) as appropriate.
Appeals relating to the eligibility of a film and categories must be received by 29 October 2026.
Appeals relating to proposed candidates for nomination must be received by 19 November 2026. All appeals can be made via [email protected].
BAFTA also presents awards for television at the BAFTA Television Awards and Television Craft Awards. An entry can be made into either the BAFTA Film Awards or the BAFTA Television/Television Craft Awards but not both.
Entrants should enter the BAFTA Television/Television Craft Awards if:
Entrants should contact [email protected] if:
Eligible feature films which enter the BAFTA Film Awards can also enter the BAFTA Scotland Awards and BAFTA Cymru Awards.
Voting is restricted to registered BAFTA Film voting members and jurors. Voters must vote or register their abstention at every stage of voting.
Voting is conducted online and each round is authenticated by BAFTA’s appointed independent scrutineers.
All decisions made by BAFTA and its juries regarding longlisting, nominations and winners are confidential and final. No correspondence will be entered into as to why particular entries were or were not longlisted/nominated.
Please see the relevant category section of these Rules & Guidelines for information on the voting process for specific categories.
All entrants will be sent the Draft Entered Films List before Round One voting opens. The entrant is required to check their entry details and assume full responsibility for errors and omissions.
All registered voters are informed of voting rules and provided with the list of eligible films (Entered Films List) that have been entered. This list and the voting ballot in each round shall refer only to the film title and not to individual candidates for nomination, except for the performance categories where the name of the performer, their character’s name and the film title will be listed.
Craft chapters are made up of voters with expertise or experience in the specialised field relating to a category. Craft chapters vote in the Documentary, Director, Screenplay (Adapted/Original), Performance, Casting, Original Score, Cinematography, Production Design, Costume Design, Make Up & Hair, Editing, Sound and Special Visual Effects categories.
Opt-In chapters are made up of voters with a particular expertise or interest in a specific area. Opt-In chapters vote in the Film Not in the English Language and Animated Film categories.
A chapter contains at least 100 voters.
It is not permissible for entrants to target these chapters in their campaigns. See the Campaign Regulations at https://www.bafta.org/awards/awards-information/film/.
Juries are made up of a majority of experts with significant experience in the relevant discipline, complemented by a number of jurors from other disciplines/genres and voices that represent emerging talent.
Juries are in place in the Outstanding British Film, Outstanding Debut, Family Film, Documentary and Casting categories. A longlisting jury is in place in the Acting categories.
Jury chairs are predominantly appointed from the Film Committee or Board of Trustees, except in Outstanding Debut which is open for applications from any film voting member and is selected every three years based on their expertise, commitment and availability.
Once a chair is appointed, they work with the awards team to build the lists of jurors. Members are invited to put their names forward to be added to a panel of potential jurors each year. These lists are subject to Film Committee approval.
Voters are expected to watch as many films as possible in the months leading up to the Round One voting deadline, especially films in their assigned craft and/or opt-in chapter.
All voters will be allocated a viewing group with approximately 15 films to watch in Round One. These films will be randomly allocated and will be a range of entered films. Voters should watch their allocated films before voting in Round One.
Voters may cast a number of ranked votes corresponding to the longlist number in the relevant category (usually 10). They need not use all their votes. They should abstain in any category where they feel unqualified to vote or where they have not seen a considerable number of films.
Voters are asked to rank their votes in order of preference. For all categories points will be applied based on the voters’ ranking (10 points for first preference, 9 for second and so on).
The longlisted films in each category will be the films with the highest number of points from the ranked voting; the number of films longlisted (and therefore the number of votes each member may cast) in each category will be agreed by the Film Committee each year.
In the event of a tie, the total number of votes (regardless of ranking) will be used to decide which films are longlisted. If there remains a tie, additional films may be listed on the longlist.
Voters must watch the longlisted films prior to voting in individual categories in Round Two.
Voters may cast a number of ranked votes corresponding to the number of nominations in the relevant category (usually five). They need not use all their votes. They should abstain in any category where they feel unqualified to vote or where they have not seen all of the longlisted films.
Voters are asked to rank their votes in order of preference. For all categories points will be applied based on the voters’ ranking (five points for first preference, four for second and so on).
The nominations will be the films in each category with the highest number of points from the ranked voting.
The number of nominations (and therefore number of votes each member may cast) in each category will be agreed by the Film Committee before voting begins.
In the event of a tie, the total number of votes (regardless of ranking) will be used to decide which entries are nominated. If there remains a tie, additional nominations may be listed.
Voters must abstain in a category if they have not seen all of the longlisted films in that category, or if their knowledge of advancements in that craft is not up-to-date.
Voters must watch the nominated films prior to voting in individual categories in Round Three.
Voters must abstain in a category if they have not seen all of the nominated films in that category, or if their knowledge of advancements in that craft is not up-to-date.
Voters cast one vote each; the film/individual receiving the most votes is the award winner.
These Awards are presented at the discretion of the BAFTA Board and therefore may not be presented in any given year. The Awards would usually be presented during the annual Awards ceremony but may also be presented at a different time of year, at the Board’s discretion.
The Fellowship is the highest accolade BAFTA can bestow. It is presented to an individual with a substantive body of work in recognition of an outstanding and exceptional contribution to Film. The Fellowship is presented to individuals who are aligned with BAFTA’s aims of excellence, championing creativity, opportunity and social change for all through the transformative power of film, games and television, and who embody the highest professional standards.
The Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema is presented to an individual who has made a significant, inspiring and outstanding contribution to their sector through a particular project(s) and/or work that may no longer be eligible for BAFTA’s competitive award categories or who may not have received the recognition they deserve.
All films, of any genre, entered for the Film Awards are eligible for Best Film if they meet the UK theatrical release requirement of more than 50 commercial screenings in the UK for at least seven days in aggregate, or the equivalent of a minimum of 350 screenings.
Eligible films will be automatically listed on the voting ballot for Best Film upon confirmation following the submission of the Stage One entry form. Entrants can choose to opt-out by contacting [email protected] before submitting.
All credited producers certified by the Producers Guild of America (PGA) will be listed as candidates for nomination.
For films submitted to the PGA for certification, all producers who are deemed eligible for the Guild’s “Producers Mark” or are deemed eligible via the Guild’s ‘Awards-Only’ process should be listed as candidates for nomination, and any producer not recognised by the Guild will not be considered as a candidate for nomination.
Note that the PGA’s ‘Awards-Only’ process may begin as late as January 2027.
For films which have not been submitted for PGA certification, a maximum of three producers will be listed.
Appeals for additional producer candidates will not be considered.
Executive producer, co-producer, associate producer, line producer, ‘produced in association with’ or any other credits are not eligible.
This award was created to recognise initiative and endeavour in British film, aiming to reward outstanding and original British filmmaking which shows exceptional creativity and innovation.
A points system will determine eligibility as a British film.
Entrants are required to provide information about the nationality of the candidates for nomination (Writer, Director, Producer) – and should reach a minimum of 60% of those available points. Within this points system, either a Director or Writer should be British in order to qualify, otherwise on appeal. Note that UK passport holders or those permanently resident in the UK for at least six years up to and including the eligibility period qualify as British. If the candidate for nomination is a resident in the UK but not a UK passport holder, the entrant should contact [email protected]. Films which have no British candidates for nomination will only be eligible in exceptional circumstances.
Points will also be allocated for HODs (eligible for the craft categories) and should reach a minimum of 40% of those available points. Points will also be allocated for Principal Cast, Setting, if shot/partly shot in the UK, Underlying/Source material, post-production, passing the BFI Cultural Test and official co-productions. It is anticipated that films receiving the IFTC (Independent Film Tax Credit) will automatically qualify for this category.
Eligible films in this category must meet the BFI Diversity Standards. Meeting the Standards requires passing three of the five Standards (A, B, C, D, E). Standards C and E are mandatory for all. Concessions may be made for smaller projects and the nature of the project, or its production will be taken into consideration during assessment.
Please note that filling in a Diversity Standards form once your project is complete is now required for eligibility, even for those projects that were required to meet the Standards at funding stage by the BFI, Doc Society, BBC Film, Film4 or Screen Scotland. If you do not provide an updated form, you will not be considered eligible.
The Diversity Standards form you are required to fill in is Diversity Standards – Production – Final.
The assessment form must be completed by 30 September 2026. Any questions about the Diversity Standards should be directed to the BFI, who will be happy to help. For more information about the BFI Diversity Standards, or to submit a film for consideration go to https://www.bfi.org.uk/diversitystandards
Note that British films meeting the BFI Diversity Standards will automatically meet the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Representation and Inclusion Standards necessary for its ‘Best Picture’ category.
It is a requirement in this category to have Bullying and Harassment policies in place.
Employers are now required by British law to have policies in place to prevent harassment, sexual harassment and bullying, and to take all reasonable steps to prevent harassment in the workplace. Employers are also expected to conduct harassment risk-assessments on a regular basis.
In addition, BAFTA is a supporter of CIISA and expects all British productions to proactively align with the CIISA Standards to create consistently safe and inclusive workplaces. More information is available on the CIISA website.
Entrants will be required to complete and upload an interactive points tracker. This will be used by the awards team to determine eligibility, and information from this form about how a film qualifies in the category will be made visible to voters on BAFTA View. This must be provided in Stage One before 29 October 2026.
Entrants will be required to submit a completed Diversity Standards form to the BFI.
Entrants are required to upload copies of the production company’s Bullying and Harassment policies for the production. If these policies are not available, the entrant will need to appeal for eligibility and should contact [email protected] as soon as possible before 29 October 2026.
Entrants are required to declare if productions were committed to consistently safe and inclusive working environments in alignment with the industry-endorsed CIISA Standards. Whilst it is not mandatory to be aligned with the CIISA Standards for the 2027 Awards, the expectation is that this will become a requirement in future years.
Entrants are also required to upload copies of the production company’s Sustainability Policy for the production. If this policy is not available, the entrant will need to appeal for eligibility and should contact [email protected] as soon as possible before 29 October 2026.
The director(s), writer(s) and all PGA certified producers will be listed as candidates for nomination. Writers are eligible for fiction films only.
For films submitted to the PGA for certification, all producers who are deemed eligible for the Guild’s “Producers Mark” or are deemed eligible via the Guild’s ‘Awards-Only’ process should be listed as candidates for nomination, and any producer not recognised by the Guild will not be considered as a candidate for nomination. Note that the PGA’s ‘Awards-Only’ process may begin as late as January 2027.
For films which have not been submitted for PGA certification, a maximum of three producers will be listed.
Appeals for additional producer candidates will be considered.
This award was established to encourage British filmmaking by recognising individuals in the selected disciplines whose debut film sets them apart as a talent with a distinct vision and potential.
The film must be the candidate’s first feature film as a Writer, Director and/or Producer.
The candidate must be a substantive writer, producer or director. Ancillary roles such as an assistant director will not be considered.
This is a new talent award; therefore, candidates with a significant number of lead credits in any genre or discipline may not be recognised in this category at the discretion of the Film Committee and/or jury, if it is not deemed to be meaningful.
Where a candidate is credited in the same role on two or more films released in the same eligibility year, the film shot first would be regarded as the candidate’s debut.
The candidate must hold a UK passport or have been a permanent resident in the UK for at least six years up to and including the eligibility period. If the candidate for nomination is a resident in the UK but not a UK passport holder, the entrant should contact [email protected].
The film should be eligible for Outstanding British Film, including the requirements to meet the BFI Diversity Standards and having a Bullying and Harassment policy. In exceptional or extenuating circumstances, the Film Committee may consider a British writer, producer or director who makes their feature debut as writer, producer or director on a film without other British creative involvement.
The film should be theatrically released in the UK on at least one commercial screen in the UK for no fewer than seven days in aggregate during the eligibility period. If the film is not released in the UK but receives a theatrical release of at least seven commercial screenings anywhere in the world during the eligibility period, it may be eligible to enter. Please email [email protected] before submitting an entry form.
If the film is not released theatrically within 12 months following its festival premiere it may be eligible if it has been programmed at a minimum of two British festivals and/or one international festival on the Debut Qualifying Festivals list. Debut films qualifying via the festival route will not be eligible to enter future Film Awards even with a subsequent theatrical release.
Eligible films in this category must meet the BFI Diversity Standards.
There is a separate single stage entry form for films also (or solely) submitting to Outstanding Debut. Entrants are required to provide:
As this is a jury only category, films entered in this category only will not be published on BAFTA View in Rounds One and Two. Nominated films will be published to BAFTA View to allow for members to view nominated films in advance of the ceremony.
Entrants will be required to complete and upload an interactive points tracker to determine the film’s eligibility as British.
Entrants will be asked to provide the name, credit, nationality, gender, email and CV for all candidates for nomination and whether they are British passport holders, resident in UK or abroad and for how many years.
Where a candidate shares a credit with a non-debut individual, a statement detailing the different roles is required. If a debut candidate is nominated, any other co-credited directors, writers and/or producers involved will be acknowledged in the published list of nominations.
Entrants will be required to submit a BFI Diversity Assessment form to the BFI by 30 September 2026.
Entrants are required to upload copies of the production company’s Bullying and Harassment policies for the production. If these policies are not available, the entrant will need to appeal for eligibility and should contact [email protected] as soon as possible before 29 October 2026.
Entrants are required to declare if productions were committed to consistently safe and inclusive working environments in alignment with the industry-endorsed CIISA Standards. Whilst it is not mandatory to be aligned with the CIISA Standards for the 2027 Awards, the expectation is that this will become a requirement in future years.
Entrants are also required to upload copies of the production company’s Sustainability Policy for the production. If this policy is not available, the entrant will need to appeal for eligibility and should contact [email protected] as soon as possible before 29 October 2026.
Films released 1 January – 30 June must be submitted by 11 September 2026.
Films released 1 July onwards must be submitted by 29 October 2026.
Candidates for Nomination
Debut director(s), writer(s) and producer(s) are eligible; no other credits will be eligible for this category.
Writers are eligible for fiction films only
The longlist, nominees and winner are decided by a jury. Voting is not open to members in any round.
The jury chair is appointed by the Chair of the BAFTA Film Committee.
The jury will meet up to six times over the course of the year to discuss all entered films.
Any conflicts of interest must be declared by jurors as they arise during the lengthy jury process. Jurors with a conflict of interest may not continue if the film with which they have an association progresses to the preliminary longlist meeting.
For films of any genre with a specific inter-generational appeal to children, young people and adults.
Films with a BBFC certificate or U, PG or 12A may be considered.
Theatrically released live action, animated or documentary films of any genre may be eligible, including (but not limited to) action, adventure, comedy, drama and fantasy.
The director(s) and all PGA certified producers will be listed as candidates for nomination.
For films submitted to the PGA for certification, all producers who are deemed eligible for the Guild’s “Producers Mark” or are deemed eligible via the Guild’s ‘Awards-Only’ process should be listed as candidates for nomination, and any producer not recognised by the Guild will not be considered as a candidate for nomination. Note that the PGA’s ‘Awards-Only’ process may begin as late as January 2027.
For films which have not been submitted for PGA certification, a maximum of one producer will be listed.
Appeals for additional producer candidates will not be considered.
The longlist, nominees and winner are decided by a jury. Voting is not open to members in any Round.
The Film Committee may decide that fewer titles will be longlisted/nominated in this category depending on the number of entries.
All feature-length films with predominantly (over 50%) non-English language dialogue are eligible.
Entrants will be required to confirm that the non-English dialogue in the film exceeds 50% of the total dialogue.
The director(s) and all PGA certified producers will be listed as candidates for nomination.
For films submitted to the PGA for certification, all producers who are deemed eligible for the Guild’s “Producers Mark” or are deemed eligible via the Guild’s ‘Awards-Only’ process should be listed as candidates for nomination, and any producer not recognised by the Guild will not be considered as a candidate for nomination. Note that the PGA’s ‘Awards-Only’ process may begin as late as January 2027.
For films which have not been submitted for PGA certification, a maximum of one producer will be listed.
Appeals for additional producer candidates will not be considered.
A film will be classed as an animated feature film if it is primarily animated throughout the majority of the duration of the film and has a significant number of animated major characters.
The director(s) and all PGA certified producers will be listed as candidates for nomination.
For films submitted to the PGA for certification, all producers who are deemed eligible for the Guild’s “Producers Mark” or are deemed eligible via the Guild’s ‘Awards-Only’ process should be listed as candidates for nomination, and any producer not recognised by the Guild will not be considered as a candidate for nomination. Note that the PGA’s ‘Awards-Only’ process may begin as late as January 2027.
For films which have not been submitted for PGA certification, a maximum of one producer will be listed.
Appeals for additional producer candidates will not be considered.
Fewer titles may be longlisted/nominated depending on the number of entries.
An eligible feature Documentary can be defined as a predominantly non-fiction film intended for theatrical release. Documentary footage is classed as photographed in actual occurrence, but may also include animation, archive footage, stills, stock footage, stop-motion, re-enactment and/or other techniques. It should deal creatively with artistic, cultural, economic, historical, political, social, scientific and/or other themes. Dramatised factual subjects will not qualify.
Documentaries which are commissioned by broadcasters/ streamers and released theatrically in the UK will only be eligible for the Film Awards on appeal, which must be uploaded by 29 October 2026. Appeal information includes full theatrical release details such as a list of cinemas, proof of release and promotion, reviews when the film released, etc.
The director(s) and all PGA certified producers will be listed as candidates for nomination.
For films submitted to the PGA for certification, all producers who are deemed eligible for the Guild’s “Producers Mark” or are deemed eligible via the Guild’s ‘Awards-Only’ process should be listed as candidates for nomination, and any producer not recognised by the Guild will not be considered as a candidate for nomination. Note that the PGA’s ‘Awards-Only’ process may begin as late as January 2027.
For films which have not been submitted for PGA certification, the director(s) and one other individual (usually a producer) who shared equal creative input with the director(s) will also be listed.
Appeals for additional producer candidates will not be considered.
Eligibility is limited to the director(s) of the film.
There are two Screenplay categories, Original Screenplay and Adapted Screenplay.
Where a script is based on another pre-existing narrative source (e.g. novel, play, short story, video game, TV show or another film) it will be considered adapted. This includes sequels and prequels, stories based around pre-existing characters and screenplays based on pre-existing stories or characters in the public domain (even where not adapted from a specific source).
Where a script is based on real life events, it will be considered original, unless based on specific pre-existing narrative source material (including autobiographies, memoirs, diaries and documentaries) in which case it will be considered adapted.
Feature scripts expanded from short films will generally be considered adapted. Exceptions will be considered where the short represents only an element of the feature rather than the complete narrative idea.
These categories are open to fiction films; films which have been entered for the Documentary category should not be entered into these categories.
Entrants are required to confirm whether the Screenplay is original or based on pre-existing material in Stage One by 29 October 2026.
Entrants of films submitted in the Adapted Screenplay category will need to provide details of the title and author of the original material.
Interpretation of these rules, and whether films compete as original or adapted, rests with BAFTA’s Film Committee. Entrants who wish to appeal this decision must provide a short statement (1000 characters max) outlining why the screenplay should be considered as original in Stage One by 29 October 2026.
Eligibility is limited to the credited writer(s) including ‘story by’ and screenplay.
There are four performance categories: Leading Actress, Leading Actor, Supporting Actress and Supporting Actor. The following applies to all four categories.
All individual performers are eligible for consideration in these categories.
Voice performers in animated films are eligible.
Performances will not be eligible if all of the dialogue has been dubbed by another actor.
These categories are open to fiction films; films which have been entered for the Documentary category should not be entered into these categories.
The category in which individuals are placed, whether Leading or Supporting, is determined by the entrant. BAFTA will largely adhere to the category selected by the entrant but will also monitor entries and reserves the right to change the category.
The final decisions on category eligibility rest with BAFTA’s Film Committee.
Entrants are required to provide the individual names of candidates and their character name in each category in Stage One by 29 October 2026.
Entrants will also need to provide headshots of each entered performer candidate for publication on BAFTA View.
Up to a maximum of six leading and 10 supporting performances can be submitted per film in each category.
Nominees and/or winners in any of the four performance categories can request that their certificate and BAFTA mask plaque carry the term Performer rather than Actor or Actress. Entrants must contact BAFTA by 19 January 2027 to make this request.
Entrants can upload a supporting statement which will be made visible to voters on BAFTA View. This is not mandatory in round one but must be provided for the jury if the film is longlisted in this category. The supporting statement must cover the work of all eligible Casting Directors.
Entrants can also upload a photo grid of the cast and/or a full cast list which will be made visible to voters on BAFTA View. This is welcomed, but not mandatory. A template photo grid is available.
Eligibility is limited to a maximum of two casting directors with equal credit.
Under exceptional circumstances (e.g. new talent discovery, specialised casting) BAFTA will consider an appeal for an additional credited casting director to be listed.
A film is eligible if more than 70% of all the music featured in it is an originally composed score, written specifically for the film.
Films with between 50% and 69% of an originally composed score may be eligible if it is clear which music in the film is an original score, and which are pre-existing themes, source or licensed music used to complement an original score.
Films which predominantly use phrases from pre-existing scores extensively as score (for example sequels/prequels or films within a franchise) should not be entered.
Films which contain more than 20% of pre-existing themes from previous scores in a franchise/ sequel/ prequel are not eligible.
Films using pre-existing instrumental music extensively will not be eligible and should not be entered.
The music of original songs created specifically for the film may contribute to the total amount of original score composition.
Final decisions on eligibility rest with BAFTA’s Film Committee.
Entrants are required to provide the percentage of original score and original song music composition in the film.
Entrants are required to complete and upload the music tracker spreadsheet which includes time duration of original, sourced, pre-existing themes and unknown cues. This must be provided by 29 October 2026 and eligibility in this category will not be confirmed until this has been provided. A template music tracker is available.
The final cue sheet, marked up to indicate which cues were originally composed for the film (clearly marked if there is more than one eligible composer), must also be uploaded in Stage One by 29 October 2026 and will be made visible to voters on BAFTA View.
An Original Music Breakdown form must also be completed and signed by the eligible composer(s) and uploaded by 29 October 2026. A template form is available.
Eligibility is limited to the primary composer of the original score, responsible for the overall conception, design and execution of the work as a whole.
Where the primary composer created less than 50% of the original composition, additional composers may be considered if each additional composer has written a minimum of 20% of the total original composition.
Eligibility is limited to the Director(s) of Photography.
Eligibility is limited to the production designer(s) and one set decorator.
Eligibility is limited to the costume designer(s).
Entrants can upload a supporting statement which will be made visible to voters on BAFTA View. This is welcomed, but not mandatory.
The statement can include a maximum of ten still images from the film and must be no longer than 1000 words. The statement should explain how the key elements of the production were achieved and should be a fair reflection of both the make up and the hair design in the production. Any statements received after 19 November 2026, or which do not adhere to the stated guidelines may not be made visible to voters in time for the start of voting.
Eligibility is limited to two individuals – the Head(s) of Department.
Additional candidates with a significant creative involvement may be submitted, up to a maximum of four candidates in total. No appeals for more than four will be considered.
Assistants are not eligible.
Eligibility is limited to the editor(s) of the film.
Assistants are not eligible.
Entrants of films longlisted in this category are required to submit a clip reel of up to ten minutes (with a maximum of two cuts). BAFTA will request this on 7 January 2027 and the clip reel must be submitted to [email protected] by 12pm GMT on 11 January 2027.
The clip for each of the longlisted films for the Sound category will be shown to the BAFTA Sound chapter and Film voting members at 195 Piccadilly at two screenings on 12 January 2027.
BAFTA 195 can facilitate all formats. Please ensure to include the preferred sound format to be played in 5.1, 7.1 or Atmos. Please also ensure that the clip is keyless.
Three names should be submitted:
If more than one person receives equal credit in any of the above roles, additional candidates with these credits may also be submitted up to a strict maximum of five in total.
In exceptional cases, individuals who had direct responsibility for a specific element of the sound recording, editing or mixing but are credited in a role other than those specified above and deemed to have made an equal or greater contribution to the sound in the film may be submitted on appeal. Additional information may be required. No more than five candidates can be submitted in total.
Assistants are not eligible.
This award is for special effects and visual effects and recognises achievement in both crafts.
Entrants can upload a supporting statement which will be made visible to voters on BAFTA View. This is welcomed, but not mandatory.
The statement can include still images from the film and must be no longer than 1000 words. The statement should explain how the key elements of the production were achieved and should be a fair reflection of both the special and visual effects in the production. Any statements received after 19 November 2026, or which do not adhere to the stated guidelines, may not be made visible to voters in time for the start of voting.
Entrants can also upload a short video reel which will be made visible to voters on BAFTA View during Round Three voting. This is welcomed, but not mandatory.
The reel may last a maximum of five minutes. ‘Before and after’ footage may be included. There should be no voiceover or talking heads, but factual captions may be used. The reel should demonstrate how key scenes/ effects included within exhibited prints of the film were achieved and it should be a fair reflection of both the special and visual effects input into the production.
This reel should be submitted via entry.bafta.org by 19 January 2027. Any reels received after this date, or which do not adhere to the stated guidelines may not be made available to voters in time for the start of Round Three voting. Please note that only reels of nominated films in this category will be published on BAFTA View.
Eligibility is limited to the most senior production visual effects supervisor; this shall be assumed to be the person with the most prominent on-screen credit. If two or more people receive equally prominent credit, they may also be submitted, up to a strict maximum of four candidates in total.
If the film features significant practical effects, the special effects supervisor should be submitted. If two or more people receive equal credit as special effects supervisor, they may also be submitted, up to a strict maximum of four candidates in total.
Other names may be submitted on appeal if they were directly responsible for a particular element of the film which is integral to the overall effects and for which the special effects supervisor(s) or main visual effects supervisor(s) were not directly responsible. The film’s producer(s) and senior special and visual effects supervisor(s) should be fully consulted in the process of selecting any additional candidates for nomination put forward. No more than four candidates can be submitted in total.
If additional candidates are submitted on this basis, a supporting statement detailing the contribution and split of work for all candidates for nomination must be provided.
VFX or SFX producers, coordinators and executives are not eligible unless it can be shown that they are directly and creatively responsible for the effects achieved.
The EE Rising Star Award honours a performer of any nationality who has demonstrated exceptional talent and ambition and begun to capture the imagination of the British public as a film star in the making.
Eligible candidates must appear in a film which released in UK cinemas during the current awards year (1 January 2026 to 19 February 2027) in a leading or significant supporting role. They will usually have several film performances under their belt, in addition to one in the current year.
Although this award is designed to encourage performers early in their careers, it is not intended as a true ‘beginner’s award’, nor is it intended to be for child actors (those shortlisted will usually be aged between 18 and 32). In exceptional circumstances, a star-making debut will be considered, but this will be the exception rather than the norm.
BAFTA welcomes suggestions via the online submission form before 30 September 2026.
The contender list is decided by a jury of Film and Entertainment media experts, and the winner is chosen by the British public.
Upon submitting, entrants must confirm that there are no open issues relating to the production which could bring BAFTA into disrepute, should this information come into the public domain.
BAFTA reserves the right to change and/or withdraw named candidates/nominees at any point of the entry and judging process and post nominations, and to rescind and/or suspend any nomination.
BAFTA shall, in its absolute discretion, be entitled to suspend, revoke or rescind any entry or nomination, or impose such other conditions as it shall consider reasonable in the circumstances. Grounds for suspension, revocation or rescission include (but will not be limited to):
In the case of a competitive award presented in/after 2025, if an individual named winner is:
Full disclosure must be made to BAFTA promptly of any of the above occurrences including the outcome of any investigations the entrant or any third party has conducted with respect to such occurrence. BAFTA is under no obligation, in advance of exercising its discretion to suspend, revoke or rescind either a nomination or any award, to carry any investigation nor to determine the accuracy or veracity of any allegations of misconduct and may rely on information in the public domain or which is disclosed to BAFTA in confidence.
BAFTA studies entry data across its Awards ceremonies to deepen understanding and provide insights into how the screen industries are progressing on diversity and inclusion and to highlight areas of under-representation. This data informs rule changes as well as interventions and initiatives offered by BAFTA to address these issues.
Data will be collected on the following:
Artificial Intelligence
The Awards are presented annually to recognise, honour and reward individuals for outstanding human achievement in originating, shaping and realising the final artistic outcome regardless of the tools used to bring this work to life. Where the use of Generative AI or other digital tools is relevant to the consideration of the work, BAFTA reserves the right to request additional information regarding the nature of such use and the extent of human creative involvement.
Diversity Standards
All entrants will be asked to provide basic diversity and inclusion information through the following means:
Films qualifying for Outstanding British Film and Outstanding Debut must meet the BFI Diversity Standards (assessed by BFI) and will automatically meet the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Representation and Inclusion Standards necessary for its ‘Best Picture’ category.
Entrants of films which intend to qualify for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ ‘Best Picture’ category (and therefore meeting its Representation and Inclusion Standards), do not need to provide information to BAFTA at this time. Note that entrants of these films which are not on its ‘Best Picture’ eligibility list when published will be required to submit Diversity Standards information to BAFTA prior to the BAFTA Film Awards ceremony in February 2027.
Entrants of all other films are required to engage with the Diversity Standards questions on the Stage Two entry form.
Please note that all information is confidential.
Bullying and Harassment
BAFTA’s purpose of levelling the playing field is reflected in our vision of people from all backgrounds thriving in the screen industries. BAFTA is also a supporter of CIISA (the UK’s Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority) and expects all productions to be committed to consistently safe and inclusive working environments, aligning with the CIISA Standards. More information is available.
All entrants will be asked to confirm if the production company has bullying and harassment policies and upload them if available. Production companies who do not have a policy available will be provided with a link to a template policy which contains some simple achievable actions which can be taken to pro-actively tackle bullying and harassment in the workplace.
Production companies submitting into Outstanding British Film must have a bullying and harassment policy.
Sustainability
All entrants will be asked to confirm if the production company has a sustainability policy and upload it if one is available. This is mandatory for all titles submitting into Outstanding British Film.
Gender
Entrants are asked to provide details of the gender for all candidates for nomination. This information is requested 1) for internal research purposes, to inform BAFTA’s ongoing research into gender in our industry. The information collated is aggregated, anonymised and processed in compliance with our privacy policy and 2) to support the intervention in the Director category. By submitting this data entrants are agreeing that the individual concerned is happy for their information to be shared and that it can be stored and used in compliance with BAFTA’s privacy policy. Providing this information is not mandatory.
Correct entry information is the responsibility of the entrant. BAFTA is not liable for errors in listing that are the result of incorrect information submitted on the entry form. BAFTA cannot be held responsible for films being entered in the wrong categories or any other incorrect information.
The longlist and nominations for each category will always be listed in alphabetical order by film title, except for performance nominations, which will be listed in alphabetical order by performer’s name.
The winners’ press release and list is the definitive source of information about Award winners.
BAFTA may choose not to present any award at the ceremony or to present fewer nominations.
All individual named nominees will receive a certificate of nomination.
All individuals named as award winners will receive a BAFTA award (mask) and a winner’s certificate.
All winners must sign a Confirmation of Receipt of Mask during or following the ceremony, confirming their understanding of the BAFTA mask rules (a copy of which is available on request).
Award winners unable to collect their BAFTA award(s) at the ceremony must arrange collection from BAFTA within 12 months of the ceremony.
Additional producers who are not eligible as candidates may be eligible to purchase BAFTA masks. Additional masks, to a maximum of two, may be purchased for films that win in six categories only: Best Film, Outstanding British Film, Animated Film, Family Film, Documentary and Film Not in the English Language. These producers will not be acknowledged as winners.
Additional masks may be purchased by the relevant studio/distributor for the following categories for display purposes only: Best Film, Outstanding British Film, Animated Film, Family Film, Documentary and Film Not in the English Language. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The award mask may not be reproduced or used in any commercial manner unless prior permission has been obtained from BAFTA.
The BAFTA award remains the property of BAFTA, to remain in the care of the recipient or their descendants. Should the award leave the care of the recipient or their descendants, BAFTA reserves the right to purchase the mask back for a fee of £1. The award must not be sold on to any third party.
Any theft or loss of a mask must be reported to BAFTA immediately.
Legal action may be taken following any misuse of the mask.
Certain companies directly involved with the winning films in certain categories may purchase a duplicate winner certificate so that they can have a record of their involvement in a winning film.
Films and individuals may be referred to as BAFTA Longlisted after the longlist announcement.
Longlisted categories must be included when films and individuals are referred to as “BAFTA Longlisted”.
The BAFTA Longlisted laurel can be downloaded from https://bit.ly/BAFTALonglistLaurels.
BAFTA approval is not necessary for use of the longlisted laurel
Use of the BAFTA mask is NOT permitted for longlisted films or individuals. If the mask is used, this will be considered an infringement of the rules.
Films and individuals may be referred to as BAFTA Nominated after the nomination’s announcement, and as BAFTA Winner after the ceremony.
All logo requests must be submitted via bafta.org/media-centre/logos.
“BAFTA Film Awards”, BAFTA logo mask, “BAFTA Nominee” or “BAFTA Winner” logos may only be used by listed nominees/ winners.
Entrants may only publish/ share/broadcast their use of BAFTA logos after the film has been officially nominated or won an award.
Any artwork with BAFTA logos made in preparation prior to nomination/winner announcements must only be used after the nomination/win is confirmed.
Maintain an exclusion zone of at least half the mask’s height around the entire logo, ensuring nothing interrupts this space.
Use logos in their original form. Logo alterations, recolouring, or cropping is strictly prohibited.
Positive and Negative logos are available for light and dark backgrounds, respectively. (POS/Positive for light, NEG/Negative for dark).
Photographic mask logos are reserved for video use only. The illustrated mask logo must be used for all non-video uses.
Provide proofs of logos in situ to [email protected] for approval.
All BAFTA logo uses must be approved by BAFTA.
| Industry, Studio & Stakeholder Relations, Eligibility, Appeals, Campaign Regulation | Deirdre Hopkins, Head of Film |
[email protected] [email protected] |
| General Awards, Enquires, Eligibility, Nominees, Appeals, Masks & Certificates, Campaign Regulations | Lewis Peet, Film Awards Manager |
[email protected] [email protected] |
| Entry Forms | https://entry.bafta.org | |
| EE Rising Star Submissions Form | https://entry.bafta.org/enter/EERisingStar27 | |
| Longlist Laurels | https://bit.ly/BAFTALonglistLaurels | |
| Logo Request | https://www.bafta.org/media-centre/logo-branding/ | |
| Campaign Regulations | [email protected] | |
| License Requests | [email protected] |