Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

BAFTA unveils new diversity requirements for 2019 film awards

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced new eligibility standards aimed at promoting diversity at its awards.

The films entering into two British film categories at next year's EE British Academy Film Awards must meet the new BFI Diversity Standards, the BAFTA said in a statement.


Following consultation with the BFI and a range of industry professionals, all entries into two British film categories Outstanding British Film and Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer will be required to meet at least two of the four BFI Diversity Standards.

The standards focus on under-represented groups across four areas: on-screen representation, themes & narratives; project leadership & creative practitioners; industry access & opportunities; and opportunities for diversity in audience development.

"I am immensely proud of BAFTAs commitment to diversity across all its activities which support an open, accessible and inclusive industry," Marc Samuelson, chair of BAFTA's Film Committee, said in the statement.

"By embracing these standards for awards recognition we can build on the work already being done to improve representation, whilst maintaining BAFTAs standards of excellence for British film," he added.

The BFI Diversity Standards are aimed at encouraging everyone across the film value chain, particularly filmmakers, producers and distributors, to make meaningful changes to their projects to become more inclusive.

From next year, the entries for Outstanding British Film and Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer will be accepted if they can "demonstrate their film has addressed and improved inclusion and representation in at least two of these areas".

The standards also seek to address under-representation of people from lower socio-economic groups and ensure wide regional participation.

More For You

Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey set to dazzle Brighton Pride 2025 with a show-stopping performance at Preston Park

Getty Images

Mariah Carey to headline Brighton Pride 2025: Iconic comeback set to break records

This summer, music legend Mariah Carey is set to light up the stage at Brighton Pride, marking her first UK performance since her 2019 Royal Albert Hall shows. Scheduled for August 2, 2025, at Preston Park, Carey’s highly anticipated appearance follows the cancellation of the 2020 event due to COVID-19. Known for her chart-topping hits like "Fantasy" and "Always Be My Baby," her performance is expected to draw massive crowds. Tickets go on sale February 20, and demand is expected to be high.

Paul Kemp, Brighton Pride’s Managing Director, shared his excitement, recalling the disappointment of 2020. “We’re thrilled to finally welcome Mariah this year,” Kemp said. “Pride is a celebration of love, diversity, and unity, and having a global icon like her headline makes this year’s event even more special.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Are Kanye West and Bianca Censori breaking up after the viral Grammys stunt?

Kanye West and Bianca Censori at the Marni Fall/Winter 2024 Fashion Show during Milan Fashion Week

Getty Images

Are Kanye West and Bianca Censori breaking up after the viral Grammys stunt?

Kanye West, now legally known as Ye, and his wife, Bianca Censori, are once again at the centre of divorce rumours, this time following a series of controversies surrounding Ye. Reports suggest that the couple’s relationship has been strained due to Ye’s recent actions, including allegations of antisemitism and the backlash from selling swastika-themed merchandise.

Sources claim that Censori, 30, reached a breaking point, unwilling to be associated with Ye’s controversies any longer. The tension reportedly escalated after Censori’s near-nude appearance at the 2025 Grammy Awards, which drew widespread criticism. While Ye defended her bold outfit, calling her “smart, talented, brave, and hot,” the incident allegedly deepened the rift between them.

Keep ReadingShow less
'Chhaava's' mixed twitter reactions: Vicky Kaushal shines, but does the film deliver?

The official poster of 'Chhaava,' the historical drama starring Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj

Instagram/maddockfilms

'Chhaava's' mixed twitter reactions: Vicky Kaushal shines, but does the film deliver?

Vicky Kaushal’s latest period drama, Chhaava, has sparked mixed reactions from audiences following its theatrical release. While Kaushal’s portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj has been widely praised, opinions on the overall execution of the film remain divided.

Social media has been flooded with reactions, with many hailing Kaushal’s intense performance and Akshaye Khanna’s chilling presence as Aurangzeb. One viewer called Kaushal “fire,” while another remarked that Khanna’s performance would “give you goosebumps.” The film’s dramatic battle sequences, emotional depth in the second half, and powerful climax have resonated with audiences, with some calling it Bollywood’s first major hit of 2025.

Keep ReadingShow less
Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco’s 'I said I love you first': The love story behind 'Scared of loving you'

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco at the 2nd Annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit in Los Angeles, October 24, 2024

Getty Images

Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco’s 'I said I love you first': The love story behind 'Scared of loving you'

Selena Gomez is stepping back into the music scene—but this time, it’s more personal than ever. Alongside her fiancé, producer Benny Blanco, she has announced their joint album, I Said I Love You First, set to release on March 21, 2025. To mark the moment, they unveiled the first single, Scared of Loving You—a raw, emotional ballad that lays bare Gomez’s deepest fears about love and loss.

Written by Gomez, Blanco, and Finneas, the song captures the fragile side of love with lyrics like, “I’m not scared of loving you / I’m just scared of losing you.” It also hints at lessons from past relationships, reflecting on youthful missteps: “When I was young, I would love too fast / Hope I don’t repeat my past.” A lyric video featuring candid moments between the couple adds to the song’s emotional weight, offering fans a rare glimpse into their private world.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rakul Preet Singh on love, laughter and her journey in cinema
Rakul Preet Singh

Rakul Preet Singh on love, laughter and her journey in cinema

ASJAD NAZIR

RAKUL PREET SINGH’S versatility as an actress has enabled her to take on diverse roles across genres and languages. The in-demand cinema star has won glowing reviews for her ability to embrace different challenges. Rather than basking in her success, she is looking forward to crossing more creative horizons with forthcoming films, including the highly anticipated sequel De De Pyaar De 2, which will be released later this year.

She will next headline Mere Husband Ki Biwi, alongside Arjun Kapoor and Bhumi Pednekar. The film, due for release on February 21, offers a fresh take on love and marriage for Hindi cinema audiences.

Keep ReadingShow less