BAFTA diversifies film awards

Washington D.C., [USA] June 19 (ANI): In order to improve the diversity of film awards, the British Academy Film Awards or BAFTA has brought in a new set of eligibility requirements.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the changes were first announced in 2016, only to be confirmed this year for the 2019 BAFTA awards.
Award categories such as outstanding British film and outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer will be affected; as entries to the categories should now meet a minimum of two of the four British Film Institute (BFI) diversity standards-the Institute's guidance policy for project funding exclusively for the under-represented groups.
The unrepresented groups include on-screen representation, themes and narratives; project leadership and creative practitioners, industry access and opportunities, and also opportunities for diversity in the development of audience.
"I am immensely proud of BAFTA's commitment to diversity across all its activities which support an open, accessible and inclusive industry," The Hollywood Reporter quoted chair of BAFTA's film committee, Marc Samuelson, as saying.
Samuelson further said embracing the standards will only go onto improve representation in BAFTA.(ANI)