The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) was originally called the British Film Academy. It was founded in 1947 by a group of film directors and other major industry professionals. Film director David Lean was the founding Chairman of the Academy. The Academy presented its first awards in 1949.
In 1958, the British Film Academy merged with the Guild of Television Producers and Directors to form the Society of Film and Television Arts. The organization received its current name in 1976. From 1968 to 1997, the BAFTA Film and Television awards were presented in one joint ceremony, but since 1998 there are two separate ceremonies.
The British Academy Film trophy was designed by American sculptor Mitzi Cunliffe. It portrays a theatrical mask. There are several dozen awards categories. Most are open to all nationalities, unlike the Television Awards that are only open to British programs. There are a couple of exceptions such as BAFTA Award for the Best British Film and BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer.
The BAFTA Film Awards ceremony used to take place in April or May. From 2002 onward, it is held every February in order to precede the Academy Awards. As most award categories are open to all nationalities, the British Academy Film Awards are regarded as an important indicator of success at the Oscars.
Since 2008, the main venue of the BAFTA ceremonies has been the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, central London. Before that, from 2000 to 2007, the ceremonies were held at the Odeon Leicester Square cinema. The ceremony is delayed broadcast on BBC One the same evening.
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