The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) is reviewing its voting process after criticism over the lack of female directors or black and minority ethnic actors nominated for its main categories on Monday.
Marc Samuelson, head of Bafta’s film committee, told Variety that there would be a “careful and detailed review within and outside the membership”.
Bafta confirmed it would consult various sources and listen to recommendations from industry bodies and its members, with any changes to be put in place before voting starts for the 2021 awards.
At present the voting is divided into two rounds. The first is to determine nominations from specific “chapters” – made up of specialists from Bafta’s 6,700 members – choosing nominees for categories such as best director, score and screenplay. However, the four main acting categories (leading actress, leading actor, supporting actress, supporting actor) are nominated by the full membership.
Once the first nomination round is complete, all Bafta members vote on all the major awards with some specialist juries and chapters deciding the winners in certain categories such as best casting and best animated film.
There has been speculation that a new voting system could move to an alternative hybrid of jury, full membership and chapter votes.
Samuelson also spoke about the backlash to the lack of diversity in the award nominations, admitting that change was necessary.
“There is absolute openness to change and the organisation made clear its position on the noms and that it was not satisfied,” he said. “Change is required – what that is, is complex and needs calm, careful thought.”
