The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is making waves with its first new award in five years, introducing the Children's and Family Film Award, set to debut in 2025. This groundbreaking category welcomes films from any genre, as long as they possess “specific inter-generational appeal to children, young people, and adults.” The criteria are inclusive, allowing entries with U, PG, or 12A ratings. In an exciting twist, films can compete in multiple categories, potentially winning both Best Animation and Best Children's Film.
Among the anticipated contenders for this new award are Inside Out 2, which has achieved the milestone of becoming the biggest animation of all time, Despicable Me 4, and the eagerly awaited Paddington in Peru. These films, with their heartwarming stories and beloved characters, perfectly capture the essence of family entertainment that BAFTA aims to celebrate.
In addition to the new award, BAFTA has revamped its rules for the Best Film category. The previous requirement of at least ten daily screenings over seven days has been replaced. Now, films must be shown on a minimum of 50 commercial screens in the UK for at least a week, totaling over 350 screenings. This change aims to provide a fairer and more comprehensive evaluation of eligible films.
Further changes have been made to the Best British Film category, introducing a new points-based system for clearer qualification criteria. This shift ensures a more transparent and structured approach, reflecting BAFTA's commitment to evolving with the industry.
This year's BAFTA Awards saw Oppenheimer dominate with seven wins out of thirteen nominations, while Poor Things took home five awards, including Emma Stone's second win for Leading Actress. Hosted by the charming David Tennant, the ceremony also featured a nostalgic performance by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, singing her hit ‘Murder on the Dancefloor,' famously featured in Saltburn‘s final scene.
These exciting changes herald a new era for BAFTA, promising fresh opportunities and recognition for a wider range of films. As the industry evolves, BAFTA continues to lead the way in celebrating cinematic excellence. Whether you're a fan of animated adventures or thought-provoking dramas, there's much to look forward to in the world of British cinema!
