BAFTA changes award rules so that only films fighting for diversity can win

They will have to meet certain criteria

After consulting with the BFI and leading film producers, BAFTA has decided to introduce eligibility criteria to its Outstanding British Film and Outstanding Debut by a British, Director or Producer award categories in the hope of increasing diversity in the industry.

“This significant change demonstrates BAFTA’s intention to take a leading role, together with our key partners, in increasing the representation of under-represented groups in front of and behind the camera,” the charity said.

In order to compete for the awards, productions will, from 2019, have to demonstrate that they have made effort to boost diversity in two of the four following areas:

• On screen representation, themes and narratives

• Project leadership and creative practitioners

• Industry access and opportunities

• Opportunities for diversity in audience development

“Under-represented groups in the film industry include people from minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, women and LGBT. It also includes people from lower socio-economic groups,” BAFTA added.

“In certain categories productions based or set outside London can also count towards achieving the standards.”

Film4 and BBC films have already agreed to adopt the standards.