As if there aren’t already sufficient awards handed out within the film and TV enterprise, BAFTA has determined we’d like some extra for North America.
The group, which has yearly handed out Honorary Awards at a annually black tie dinner in Beverly Hills (the final being in a pre-pandemic 2019, particularly memorable for a Jane Fonda taped acceptance speech as she was being arrested throughout a protest in D.C.) has determined to broaden that activitity and “evolve” that ceremony, which had been often known as the Britannia Awards, right into a 12 months spherical and extra focused enterprise, thus the newly renamed BAFTA Special Awards which is able to proceed to go to “those that have made a significant, inspiring and outstanding contribution to film, games and television through a particular project(s) and/or their work”.
Special Awards recipients in North America will obtain the normal BAFTA masks with shows all year long changing the aforementioned yearly dinner (often on the Beverly Hilton), with the inaugural occasion anticipated to happen in Los Angeles, though no phrase but as to who would be the recipient or when it would occur. Special Awards are within the present of BAFTA and recipients may be put ahead by members, the sector committees and the BAFTA North America Board, chaired by Kathryn Busby.
The implementation of this new method of presenting BAFTA awards outide the excessive profile British-based ceremonies for Film and TV yearly happening in London, comes following the group’s reevaluation of giving their honorary awards, and following a 12 months after the group’s enhance of North America operations that has already included increasing membership advantages, rising its Learning, Inclusion and Talent packages, and an inaugural presence on the Toronto International Film Festival.
BAFTA has had a presence within the US for the reason that formation of BAFTA Los Angeles in 1987, adopted by BAFTA New York in 1996. Now, with nearly 2,000 members in North America, actions embrace its intensive Screenings and Q&A program, Tea Parties, BAFTA Breakthrough USA, the Yugo BAFTA Student Awards, the US Newcomers Program, Scholarships, and the Vance Byrd Mentorship program. This new initiative will ideally additionally embrace ceremonies in cities different and LA and NY.
Kathryn Busby, Chair of the BAFTA North America Board stated, “This is an incredibly exciting moment for BAFTA, as we evolve and expand our award presentations and activities. Creating the opportunity to present awards year-round and celebrate excellence at more locations was a priority for our Board this year as we expand BAFTA’s mission and activity across North America, so we are delighted to be able to now announce this new direction.”
Matthew Wiseman, Executive Director and Head of North America for BAFTA stated, “To be able to capture the same spirit and warmth of the Britannia Awards event, and now present honorary awards throughout the year and in different cities, is an exciting prospect that will enable BAFTA to celebrate those who have made exceptional contributions to our industry in even more impactful and unique ways. We will also be able to use these moments to further inspire future generations of talent across our industry, many of whom will in turn be supported by BAFTA’s many Learning, Inclusion and Talent programs globally.”
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