BAFTA has today announced the categories, eligibility rules, voting process and key dates for the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards, with entries now officially open. The ceremony, one of the most anticipated nights in the global film calendar, will take place on Sunday 22 February 2026. Earlier this year, three million viewers tuned in to BBC One to watch the event, with a further 64 million video views across BAFTA’s social channels. Conclave, The Brutalist, Anora and Emilia Pérez were among the big winners.
Each year, BAFTA reviews the EE BAFTA Film Awards in consultation with its Film Committee and industry peers. The goal remains to celebrate creative excellence, ensure fairness, promote positive change and keep pace with an evolving industry.
Key Updates for 2026
In the Outstanding British Film category, eligibility requirements have been strengthened. Nominees must now achieve at least 60% of the available points in the British points system, with either the Director or Writer being British. This ensures that the category recognises films contributing significant value to the UK film industry, through the people who make them, their source material, settings or partnerships. Films meeting the 60% threshold without a British Director or Writer will be considered on appeal.
The Documentary category will see refined voting rules, with Round One voting limited to members with specialist documentary and non-fiction experience. This aims to better reflect the craft and expertise involved. The documentary jury will remain in Round Two to determine the five nominations, with the full voting membership deciding the winner in the final round.
For the first time, the full voting membership will choose the winners in both British Short Film and British Short Animation. British Short Animation entries must now qualify via at least one festival from BAFTA’s approved list. Longlists will be determined by a new Shorts chapter and jury in Round One, followed by full membership voting in the final stage.
Eligibility Window
Films must be theatrically released in the UK between 1 January 2025 and 20 February 2026. Exceptions apply to Documentary and Film Not in the English Language categories, which may release up to 20 March 2026, though films released after 20 February 2026 will not be eligible for Best Film.
Timeline
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14 August 2025 – Entries open
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5 December 2025 – Round One voting opens
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9 January 2026 – Longlists announced / Round Two voting opens
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27 January 2026 – Nominations announced
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28 January 2026 – Round Three voting opens
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22 February 2026 – EE BAFTA Film Awards
