As if there aren’t already enough awards handed out in the movie and TV business, BAFTA has decided we need some more for North America.
The organization has been giving out Honorary Awards annually at a Beverly Hills black tie dinner (the last one in a pre-pandemic 2019), and is now expanding that activity. “evolve”This ceremony, formerly known as Britannia Awards, was transformed into a more targeted year-round business, hence the new BAFTA Special Awards. “those that have made a significant, inspiring and outstanding contribution to film, games and television through a particular project(s) and/or their work”.
The North American Special Awards recipients will receive the traditional BAFTA Mask with presentations throughout the year. This will replace the annual Beverly Hilton dinner. However, it is not known who or when the inaugural event will take place. Members, sector committees, and the BAFTA North America Board can all nominate recipients for special awards.
The implementation of this new way of presenting BAFTA awards outide the high profile British-based ceremonies for Film and TV annually taking place in London, comes following the group’s reevaluation of giving their honorary awards, and following a year after the organization’s increase of North America operations that has already included expanding membership benefits, growing its Learning, Inclusion and Talent programs, and an inaugural presence at the Toronto International Film Festival.
BAFTA has been present in the US since 1987, when it was founded in Los Angeles. In 1996, BAFTA New York was formed. Now, with almost 2,000 members in North America, activities include its extensive Screenings and Q&A program, Tea Parties, BAFTA Breakthrough USA, the Yugo BAFTA Student Awards, the US Newcomers Program, Scholarships, and the Vance Byrd Mentorship program. The new initiative will also allow for ceremonies to be held in other cities than LA and NY.
Kathryn Busby is Chair of the BAFTA North America Board. “This is an incredibly exciting moment for BAFTA, as we evolve and expand our award presentations and activities. Creating the opportunity to present awards year-round and celebrate excellence at more locations was a priority for our Board this year as we expand BAFTA’s mission and activity across North America, so we are delighted to be able to now announce this new direction.”
Matthew Wiseman is the Executive Director and Head North America for BAFTA. “To be able to capture the same spirit and warmth of the Britannia Awards event, and now present honorary awards throughout the year and in different cities, is an exciting prospect that will enable BAFTA to celebrate those who have made exceptional contributions to our industry in even more impactful and unique ways. We will also be able to use these moments to further inspire future generations of talent across our industry, many of whom will in turn be supported by BAFTA’s many Learning, Inclusion and Talent programs globally.”