BAFTA has unveiled key changes for the 2026 film awards, including strengthened eligibility criteria for Outstanding British Film and refined documentary voting procedures.
The Outstanding British Film category now requires candidates to reach a minimum of 60% of available points, with either the director or writer being British to qualify. Films that reach the threshold without British directors or writers will be considered on appeal.
For documentaries, BAFTA has refined the opt-in chapter profile to ensure round one voting is conducted by members with specific documentary/non-fiction experience, while the full voting membership will select the winner.
In another significant change, full voting members will decide winners of the British Short Film and British Short Animation categories for the first time, raising the profile of these works.
The 79th awards ceremony will take place Feb. 22, 2026, with longlists announced Jan. 9 and nominations Jan. 27. Entries opened August 14.
Anna Higgs, BAFTA film committee chair,…
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