BAFTA

BAFTA, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, is a British charity and membership organization that promotes and preserves the arts of film, television, and digital games. It traces its origins to 1947 when a group of industry professionals founded the British Film Academy to encourage excellence in cinema. In 1958 this body merged with the Society of Film and Television Arts to form the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, commonly known as BAFTA.

BAFTA operates from its London headquarters and maintains regional and international branches, including BAFTA Scotland, BAFTA Wales, and BAFTA Los Angeles. It supports the industry through awards, education initiatives, and public outreach. Its activities are designed to foster talent, preserve media heritage, and promote high standards across its entry fields.

The organization is best known for the annual BAFTA Awards, which recognize achievement in film, television, and, more recently, video games. It also runs the BAFTA TV Awards and the BAFTA Games Awards, along with related events, fellowships, and masterclasses. BAFTA contributes to education and talent development through scholarships, student programs, and the Breakthrough Brits initiative to identify and support rising performers and creators.

Funding for BAFTA comes from membership dues, sponsorship, grants, and admissions to events. It is a registered charity governed by a board of trustees. Through its awards, programs, and outreach, BAFTA aims to celebrate excellence, support professional development, and broaden access to the film, television, and gaming industries.