The BAFTA® Awards

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA®) is a British charity that hosts annual awards shows for film, television, television craft, video games and forms of animation.

Formed in 1947 by a group of eminent names in the British film production industry, The Academy's fundamental aim was "to recognize those who have contributed outstanding creative work towards the advancement of British film." The great director David Lean was appointed chairman, and eleven years later it merged with the Guild of Television Producers to form The Society of Film and Television Arts. When Her Majesty the Queen gifted the royalties from Richard Cawston's Documentary Royal Family to the society in the 70's it was able to move to its new headquarters at 195 Piccadilly and officially became known as The British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

With an expert industry membership of nearly 6500 individuals, globally, BAFTA's attention is focused on the highest achievements of films, video games and television programs shown in the UK each year in order to motivate and inspire those who make them, and to educate and develop the taste of those who watch them.

Giving their members, the industry and the public the opportunity to learn first-hand from leading practitioners is one of the key services the Academy provides. By showcasing the crafts of film, television and video games production, they provide a forum for knowledge to be shared across disciplines, which in turn stimulates higher standards across the board.

In addition to BAFTA's UK headquarters at 195 Piccadilly, they have now established Nations & Regions offices at BAFTA Wales and BAFTA Scotland alongside events across England, as well as two affiliates in the United States - BAFTA/LA and BAFTA East Coast. The nations, regions and affiliates organize a regular program of events, screenings and, in some cases, Award ceremonies.