BAFTA makes major rule change that could shake up who wins next year
The change marks a clear pivot toward greater inclusivity and global recognition, aligning with the increasingly international nature of television production. BAFTA said the decision was made to enhance engagement from its voting body and better reflect its global membership base. Previously, while members could vote on the longlist, final nominations and winners were determined by a select jury. That's no longer the case. 'This change will strengthen the category and ensure the very best international programmes get the recognition they deserve,' BAFTA stated.
This rule revision follows a string of headline-grabbing wins in the international category. Last year's top honour went to Disney+'s Shōgun, beating out major titles like Beef and The Bear. In 2024, Netflix France's Class Act shocked many by overtaking fan-favourites such as Succession. By opening the vote to thousands rather than a small panel, BAFTA may see even more unpredictable outcomes ahead.
Alongside this, a new exemption clause now allows one non-UK senior team member to be included in submissions, provided 80 percent of the production team qualifies as UK-eligible. BAFTA says this reflects the reality of global co-productions while maintaining its focus on British talent.
The 2026 TV Awards are now accepting submissions, with nominations set to be announced in March. The BAFTA TV Craft Awards will take place April 26, followed by the main ceremony on May 10.
This year's shakeup could signal a more democratic and potentially more surprising awards season than ever before.
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