The British Academy of Film and Television Arts supports and promotes the artforms of the moving image, by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and educating the public. With an expert industry membership of nearly 7,000 individuals globally, the goal is to focus attention on the highest achievements of films, video games and television programs shown in the UK each year.

The promotion of excellence isn't something that happens only at Awards ceremonies. It is ongoing throughout the year in the UK, Los Angeles and New York-, in cinemas, schools and communities in the UK and US.

Giving our members, the industry and the public the opportunity to learn first-hand from leading practitioners is one of the key services an Academy like ours can provide. By showcasing the crafts of film and television we provide a forum for knowledge to be shared across disciplines. This can only stimulate higher standards.

Visit the British Academy of Film and Television Arts website.

History

The Academy was formed on 16 April 1947 when a group of the most eminent names in the British film production industry gathered in a room at the Hyde Park Hotel in London. The great film director David Lean was appointed Chairman. Their fundamental aim was "to recognise those who had contributed outstanding creative work towards the advancement of British film."

Eleven years later, the British Film Academy merged with the Guild of Television Producers and Directors to form The Society of Film and Television Arts. David Lean donated royalties from Bridge On The River Kwai and Doctor Zhivago to The Society and these served as an invaluable source of working capital in its early years.

When Her Majesty The Queen made the decision to gift the royalties from Richard Cawston's documentary Royal Family to the Society in the early 1970s, it enabled the Society to move from its office suite in Great Portland Street to 195 Piccadilly, which was converted to house two preview theatres and a meeting place for members.

In 1976, the opening of the new headquarters in London was attended by Her Majesty The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, HRH The Princess Anne and the Earl Mountbatten of Burma. The Society became officially known as The British Academy of Film and Television Arts, and BAFTA entered the nation's vocabulary.

The Academy works nationally and internationally to promote creativity and reward excellence. In addition to the UK headquarters at 195 Piccadilly, there are Nations & Regions offices at BAFTA Wales and BAFTA Scotland and a newly-created presence across England. BAFTA East Coast, based in New York, is one of two affiliates in the United States. The other is based in LA, BAFTA/LA .

Nations & Regions

In 2005 the UK began working with a number of English Screen Agencies in order to bring their activity to a broader and more diverse audience. The Academy's collaboration with the English Screen Agencies, known as BAFTA in the Regions, offers a regional presence to BAFTA members throughout England. It also allows the Academy to engage with the general public, as well as a wider industry audience, and to explore the best ways of promoting both emerging and established talent.

The BAFTA Cymru Award ceremony is held annually and celebrates the excellence and diversity of film, television and new media programmes being made in both the Welsh and English languages, with Awards presented in over 30 craft, performance and production categories.

BAFTA Scotland makes a significant contribution to the promotion of the country's industries of film, television and interactive media. Following six successful years of highlighting new talent, in 2004 BAFTA Scotland returned to a major annual event that rewards excellence in all aspects of Scotland's thriving screen industry.

BAFTA/LA , the oldest established affiliate, was founded in 1987. It aims to promote, maintain, improve and advance original and creative work amongst those employed in the film and television industries, and who have a close association with the UK industry. Several screenings are held each month, many followed by Q&A sessions, along with a number of high-profile events such as the annual Britannia Awards.