BAFTA Opens International Category to All Voters for 2026 TV Awards

In a significant move towards inclusivity and broader representation, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced that all 6,000 of its television voting members will determine the nominations and winners in the International category for the 2026 BAFTA TV Awards. This marks a departure from the previous hybrid system, where chapter members shortlisted titles and a select jury decided on the final nominees.

A Shift Towards Global Recognition

The Academy cited "greater member engagement" and recognition of its "global membership" as the driving factors behind the change. This decision reflects a growing emphasis on recognizing and celebrating international programming within the U.K. television landscape. The move aims to ensure that a wider range of perspectives are considered when evaluating international content.

"We believe this change will strengthen the category and ensure the very best international programs get the recognition they deserve," BAFTA stated in a press release.

Expert Perspective: The Evolving Landscape of Global Television

Dr. Eleanor Vance, a professor of Media Studies at the University of Southern California, specializing in global television trends, commented on the BAFTA decision. "This shift is indicative of a broader trend in the entertainment industry, where streaming services have blurred geographical boundaries and exposed audiences to a wider array of international content. BAFTA's move acknowledges this reality and positions the organization as more responsive to the evolving tastes of its global membership."

Vance added, "The previous system, while well-intentioned, could be perceived as somewhat insular. Opening up the voting to all members democratizes the process and potentially allows for more diverse and unexpected choices to be recognized."

Craft Category Eligibility Adjustments

In addition to the changes in the International category, BAFTA also announced adjustments to craft category eligibility for co-productions. Now, a co-production can include one non-U.K. senior team member, provided that 80% of the senior team remains U.K.-eligible. This adjustment acknowledges the increasingly collaborative nature of television production and aims to facilitate international partnerships while still maintaining a focus on U.K. talent.

Key Dates for the 2026 Awards

The BAFTA Television Craft Awards are scheduled to take place on April 26, 2026, followed by the main ceremony on May 10, 2026. Both ceremonies will honor programming broadcast in the U.K. between January 1 and December 31, 2025.

BAFTA Television Craft Awards: April 26, 2026 BAFTA Television Awards: May 10, 2026

Historical Context: BAFTA and International Recognition

BAFTA's recognition of international programming has evolved significantly over the years. Initially focused primarily on British productions, the organization has gradually expanded its scope to acknowledge the growing importance of global content. The introduction of the International category was a key step in this direction, providing a platform for non-U.K. shows to gain recognition within the British television industry. This year's changes represent the latest evolution in this ongoing process.

Industry Impact: A More Level Playing Field?

Maria Sanchez, a television producer with extensive experience in international co-productions, believes the changes will have a positive impact on the industry. "For years, there's been a perception that British awards were somewhat resistant to fully embracing international content. This move signals a willingness to embrace a more global perspective, potentially leading to more opportunities for international productions to gain recognition and funding."

Sanchez cautioned, however, that the impact of the changes will depend on how effectively BAFTA promotes and supports international programming within its membership. "It's not enough to simply open up the voting. BAFTA needs to actively engage its members with international content and provide them with the resources they need to make informed decisions."

Looking Ahead

The 2026 BAFTA TV Awards are poised to be a landmark event, reflecting the changing dynamics of the global television industry. With a more inclusive voting process and a greater emphasis on international programming, the awards promise to offer a more diverse and representative celebration of television excellence.