BAFTA Addresses Diversity Concerns

BAFTA

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has released its most recent membership data, detailing the demographics of those who vote in its many awards.

According to the findings, which were revealed alongside a letter to members from chair Krishnendu Majumdar, the current BAFTA membership will be 42:58 female-male by May 2023, with 16% of members from underrepresented ethnic groups, 7% with a handicap, and 12% identifying as LGBTQ+.

According to BAFTA, the total number of global BAFTA members has now surpassed 11,500, with over 2,500 industry professionals from film, games, and television joining since 2020. The information comes from a necessary survey given to all voting BAFTA members before they may watch films on the organization's official streaming platform.

In an accompanying letter, Majumdar congratulated the 2,500 new members and applauded the organization's efforts to broaden its membership. However, he concluded that much more work is needed to overcome imbalances. "When it comes to Awards, we are adamant that creative excellence must take precedence over all else. As part of the BAFTA Review, we continue to consult with the industry, and feedback is loud and clear - setting diversity quotas for voting is not the answer," Majumdar wrote. He is aware that many talented people do not have the same possibilities to convey their stories. Majumdar went on to say that the BAFTA organization must rely on industry leaders to assist in recognizing the vital roles that contribute to the organization's shared objective of a more equitable industry.

The BAFTA TV Awards 2023 will be held on May 14, 2023. Last year's ceremony drew criticism, with the hashtag #BaftaSoWhite trending on social media in response to what critics called a lack of diversity among those who received nominations and accolades. A group shot of the night's winners on stage ignited the backlash. Observers noted that the photograph appeared to show only one Black person: Alison Hammond, who co-hosted the BAFTAs with Richard E. Grant.

The outcry arose after BAFTA prioritized increasing diversity in its film awards process, with Majumdar declaring it one of his key goals. A rigorous diversity study resulted in over 120 adjustments to its voting, membership, and campaigning processes, including increased voter film viewing and the addition of 1,000 members from minority backgrounds.