Bafta has confirmed several key changes to the eligibility and voting rules in the outstanding British film and best documentary categories for the 2026 EE Bafta Film Awards, tightening eligibility for the former, and creating a new specialised chapter for the latter.
For outstanding British film, eligible films must now achieve a minimum of 60% of available points (up from 50% last year) – and within this points system, either a director or writer should be British in order to qualify. Films that reach the 60% British candidates threshold without a British writer or director will be considered on appeal.
Former outstanding British film-nominated titles include Poor Things, The Two Popes, The Lobster and Gravity – none with a writer or director who is British by nationality/birth, although residency in the UK for six years does qualify a person as British for the purposes of the Bafta Film Awards.
For the documentary category, the chapter that votes in the first round to determine the 10-film longlist – currently available to all voters to opt into – will be refined, “to ensure this category is voted for by members with specific documentary/non-fiction experience”, according to Bafta. A jury will determine the nominations, and the winner will be chosen by all voters.
Further changes have been made to the two shorts categories, British short film and British short animation. The main change is that all Bafta Film Awards voters will be eligible to pick the winner in these categories, and will not need to opt in to do so.
“By making the voting process for documentary even more specialist in the earlier rounds, we’re honouring the unique craft, artistry and expertise required in nonfiction storytelling,” said Anna Higgs, chair of the Bafta Film Committee.
“Strengthening the eligibility criteria for outstanding British film reinforces this award’s national and international importance as a celebration of the very best in British filmmaking.
“And for the first time, empowering our full voting membership to select the winners of British short film and British short animation will not only raise the profile of these exceptional works from emerging filmmakers, but also ensure greater alignment and consistency across our voting processes. These changes are rooted in our dedication to fairness, rigour, and the recognition of creative excellence in all its forms.”
Bafta’s latest rules and guidelines document for the film awards includes information on fees. It will cost £11,500 per film to enter (up from £11,000 last year), although significant discounts apply. For films eligible in outstanding British film, documentary or film not in the English language, it is reduced to £900 per film (up from £850 last year) – even if submitting in other categories including best film.
For films submitting to craft categories, animated film and/or children’s & family film, there is a fee of £5,500 (up from £5,000) – but the higher rate of £11,500 applies if submitting to best film, except in the case of children’s and family film. (If entered in these categories, but also in outstanding British film, documentary or film not in the English language, the lower rate of £900 still applies.)
It remains free to enter outstanding British debut and the two British shorts categories.
These rule tweaks are in addition to the changes to the timeline for the 2026 EE Bafta Film Awards, also confirmed today (August 14).
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