BAFTA unveils new home of the EE BAFTA Film Awards

BAFTA unveils London’s Royal Festival Hall as its new home for one of the biggest nights in the global film calendar.

The EE BAFTA Film Awards brings British and international talent together to celebrate the incredible ingenuity and creativity of film, and the people who bring them to life on both sides of the screen. The move will see BAFTA programme its most ambitious and accessible night yet, bolstered by a refreshed production and format. With entries opening today, the countdown to 19 February 2023 officially begins.

The Southbank Centre’s monumental Royal Festival Hall, opened by King George VI and HRH Princess Elizabeth on 3 May 1951 is located in the heart of London on the River Thames. BAFTA’s legendary red carpet will roll out at the UK’s largest arts centre next to some of the capital’s most famous landmarks, from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament to the National Theatre, BFI and the London Eye.

The ceremony will be broadcast on BBC One, BBC One HD, BBCiPlayer, and syndicated globally. Red carpet interviews with nominees and guests will be streamed live across BAFTA and BBC’s social channels, offering audiences an exclusive front row seat as talent arrive. Further details including host for the 2023 Awards, will be announced at a later date.

Emma Baehr, executive director of awards and content, said: “The EE BAFTA Film Awards are a global spotlight on the most exciting, innovative and creative stories being told in Britain and around the world, as well as playing host to the world’s biggest stars and a variety of unforgettable moments. The Royal Albert Hall has been a wonderful home to us for the last six years. As we embark on the next chapter in an incredibly exciting year for film, we can’t wait to kick off our new residency at the Royal Festival Hall with BAFTA’s most ambitious celebration yet.”

Anna Higgs, chair of BAFTA Film Committee, said: “After months of painstaking preparations we are delighted to officially open entries for the 2023 EE BAFTA Film Awards. With the impressive calibre and creativity of films already on release, or on the way, our members in the UK and around the world have a phenomenal awards season ahead. Celebrating excellence, championing the value of the screen industries, and driving positive change through ensuring a level playing field continue to be at the heart of what BAFTA does – so we can’t wait to get going on voting and celebrating another fantastic year for film.”

Elaine Bedell, CEO of the Southbank Centre, said: “I’m delighted that this cements the partnership between BAFTA and the Southbank Centre, as we’re also home to BAFTA’s TV and Games Awards. BAFTA’s decision to bring three Awards ceremonies under one roof underscores the variety, scale and creative potential of our spaces to programme a spectacular evening, for everyone. We’re delighted to support the vitally important screen industries and are so excited to see the Southbank Centre transformed for one of the biggest nights in the global film calendar.”

Celebrating excellence, nurturing the next generation of talent and creating a level playing field in film, games and television is at the heart of BAFTA’s mission as an arts charity. Films in contention will be decided by BAFTA’s global membership, via a robust and carefully audited process that involves three rounds of voting, with nominations unveiled on 19 January 2023. Audiences at home will also be invited to vote on their favourite breakout talent, via the prestigious EE Rising Star Award.

The EE BAFTA Film Awards have been a core part of the charity’s mission to identify and celebrate creative excellence since its inception 75 years ago. Previous venues include the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Opera House and the Odeon Cinema in Leicester Square, London. With a new CEO Jane Millichip starting next month, and a major redevelopment of BAFTA’s HQ completed earlier this year, 2022 marks an exciting year of transformation and renewal for the organisation.