Addition of documentary category follows persistent industry calls for doc specific recognition

The Orange British Academy Film Awards has added a documentary category to its 2012 awards slate.

Films from all countries will be eligible as long as they have a theatrical release in the UK.

A specialist documentary chapter of BAFTA film voting vembers will vote for a longlist of five films during the round one vote and then will vote again in round two to decide the three nominations. The winner will be selected by all film voters during round three voting.

The award will only be presented if 15 or more films are entered.

A theatrical documentary specific award was presented by the Academy between 1948 and 1990. Since 1990 they have been eligible for major awards at the ceremony but have not had a separate category.

The film awards are now open for entry, with an entry deadline set for Thursday 17 November        .