BAFTA CEO: Bold Storytelling Defines 2026 Film Awards

Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA, is preparing for her fourth BAFTA Film Awards ceremony, set to be held this Sunday. She notes a significant trend of "unapologetic" storytelling and style among this year's nominees, reflecting a growing confidence in bold filmmaking choices. The event will celebrate films tackling substantial themes with distinct formats, such as Ryan Coogler's innovative approach to Black identity.

The UK film industry is demonstrating robust growth, with high-end film and television production spending reaching £6.8 billion in 2025, marking over a 20 percent increase from the previous year. This indicates strong inward investment and a healthy talent pipeline, supported by BAFTA's commitment to fostering creative learning and diversity.

Millichip also expressed awe at the immense logistical undertaking of the live show, involving approximately 2,000 crew members. The ceremony at London's Royal Festival Hall requires careful management of 2,500 guests, lengthy speeches, music cues, and live performances from artists like HUNTR/X and Jessie Ware, all within a tight broadcast schedule for the BBC and E!.

"Hamnet" has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the most-nominated film for a female director in BAFTA history. This, along with other outstanding British film and debut nominees, underscores the exceptional quality of homegrown cinema. Millichip emphasized BAFTA's support for cinema-going, noting an increase in minimum screening requirements to bolster the cultural landscape.

Looking ahead, Millichip remains optimistic about the future of filmmaking, focusing on the talent and film pipelines. She views the bold choices made by storytellers in the current geopolitical climate as worthy of acknowledgement and celebration, reinforcing the UK's strong position in the global film sector.