The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced its annual membership update for 2024, revealing significant growth in diversity and international representation. With 800 new members joining this year, BAFTA’s membership now spans 13,500 creative professionals across 50 countries in film, games, and television.
Highlighting its role as the only academy championing British and global screen arts, BAFTA remains one of the largest voting bodies in the UK’s creative industries, with 8,100 members for film, 6,000 for television, and a record 1,300 for games.
Sara Putt, Chair of BAFTA, underscored the organization’s mission of fostering inclusivity and creativity, said, “BAFTA is at the centre of film, games and television: three cultural mediums that widen our worldview, spark joy and bring people together. It is imperative that the screen arts represent society on and off screen – yet too many people are still locked out due to barriers and bias or find after getting a foot in the door that a career is not sustainable. At BAFTA, we are helping address these systemic inequalities by providing community, spotlighting best practice and celebrating the belief that creative excellence comes in many forms. We are delighted to welcome over 800 new expert voters and look forward to seeing how they will contribute to our work and shape their sectors, as we continue to evolve and grow our academy and help drive positive industry change.”
BAFTA’s drive toward inclusivity, initiated in 2020, continues to show progress. Of the new members since 2020, 52% are female, 28% belong to underrepresented ethnic groups, 13% identify with a disability, 22% are LGBTQIA+, and 21% are from low socio-economic backgrounds. Overall, BAFTA’s current membership stands at 42% female, 17% from underrepresented ethnic groups, 8% with a disability, 14% LGBTQIA+, and 19% from low socio-economic backgrounds.
Additionally, BAFTA Connect, launched in 2022, has supported over 2,700 emerging and mid-level creatives in the screen industries, offering tailored programs to help build sustainable careers.
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