From 2019, films will not be able to be considered for BAFTA awards unless they demonstrate diversity.
The new criteria, announced last week by the British Academy of Film & Television Arts, will implement strict new criteria for filmmakers hoping to be considered for awards.
Under the new rules, filmmakers must demonstrate diversity in at last two of four categories: On-screen characters and themes, Senior roles and crew, Industry training and career progression, or audience access and appeal to under-represented audiences.
The areas of “under-representation” covered are “disability, gender, race, age and sexual orientation” – giving a boost to LGBT-related films.
BAFTA explained: “Diversity is incredibly important to BAFTA – both in terms of our internal structures as an organisation, but also in the work we do as a charity to develop the film, television and games industries.
“As a champion of creative excellence, we want all talented people to be able to succeed in the industries, regardless of their background.
“Following a consultation with the BFI and leading British film producers, we will add the BFI Diversity Standards to the eligibility criteria for the Outstanding British Film and Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer categories from 2019.
“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.
“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.
“The BAFTA Film Committee has reviewed the [BFI Diversity] Standards and believes they are a flexible and achievable model, which the whole industry can adopt as a shared language for understanding diversity.
“They also provide a shared framework for measuring diversity so that the industry can track progress over time.”
