BAFTA Expands Outstanding British Film Longlist, Adds AI Clause to Submission Rules

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced new submission rules for its awards. According to Deadline, the changes include an expanded Outstanding British Film longlist and a new clause regarding the use of generative AI in film creation.

The headline additions include expanding the Outstanding British Film longlist from 15 to 20 films. The category will retain 10 final nominations. Five of those nominees will be chosen by the general membership vote, with the other five selected by a nominating jury.

What is the new AI rule?

The most significant new rule is a clause on the use of generative AI. BAFTA said the rule was created following industry consultation. The aim is to reaffirm that the Awards recognise and reward outstanding human creative achievement. The official text states: “Where the use of Generative AI or other digital tools is relevant to the consideration of the work, BAFTA reserves the right to request additional information regarding the nature of such use and the extent of human creative involvement.” This clause will also be added to the rulebooks for BAFTA's other 2027 awards.

What other changes were made?

Elsewhere, the Children’s & Family Film category has been renamed the Family Film category. BAFTA said the new name “better reflects the types of films eligible for consideration and provides greater clarity for entrants, voters, and jurors, while the eligibility criteria and voting process remain unchanged.”