Submissions
Each year, BAFTA invites over 800 schools from around the world to submit their best student projects. In 2023, we received 754 submissions from 103 schools across 30 countries, including, Argentina, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hong Kong, India, Mexico, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
The Shortlist
Over 150 BAFTA members participate in the selection process to choose the 20 best short films in the categories of Live Action, Animation, and Documentary and the 10 best student projects in Games and Immersive. The Shortlist is announced online and all the filmmakers involved are immediately invited to attend virtual educational programming.
In 2021, Games and Immersive projects have been added to the competiiton.
The Finals
After 3 rounds of voting by BAFTA members, the finalists are chosen and announced: 3 animation films, 3 live-action films, 3 documentaries, 3 games, and 3 immersive experiences and all of the finalists are flown into Los Angeles for the ceremony. Before the finals, we invite BAFTA members, the industry, the public, and the film school community of Los Angeles to attend a week of programming including a networking mixer, an evening of live screenings of the finalists' films, and an awards ceremony. Six awards are presented:
- Live Action
- Animation
- Documentary
- Games
- Immersive
- Special Jury Prize
A Special Jury comprised of entertainment industry luminaries are invited to the awards ceremony to deliberate in-person to present a finalist film with the Special Jury Prize.
2020 proved to be a very different year for the initiative. With the COVID-19 pandemic, our programming and ceremony were completely online. While we could not host our normal ceremony for our finalists, in a physical theater with a stage, lights, and cameras, we were thrilled to be able to host a virtual ceremony. We were able to return to our in person ceremony in 2022.
In 2021, Games and Immersive projects have been added to the competiiton.
Alumni
Over the years, the BAFTA Student Film Awards have provided an opportunity for our members and the public to catch exceptional talent on the rise.
- In 2011, Ryan Coogler (Black Panther, Fruitvale Station) was a finalist with his short film "Fig"
- Stephen Caple Jr., the director of Creed II, was a finalist in 2014
- "Poles Apart" was a Shortlist participant in 2017; seven months later, it won a BAFTA for Best British Animated Short
- 2015 winner Henry Hughes and 2018 winner Kevin Miles were both nominated for an Oscar for Short Film
Click here to learn about BAFTA Student Film Awards programming
Getty Images for BAFTA LA
Getty Images for BAFTA LA
