The British Touch: How BAFTA’s Choices Set It Apart from Hollywood

The BAFTA Awards have once again presented a distinct approach to honoring cinema, proving that British taste often follows a different path from Hollywood’s biggest night.

Fez – The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards, held on February 16, 2025, showcased the unique preferences of British cinema, spotlighting distinctions from Hollywood’s Oscars.

This year’s ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall in London, hosted by David Tennant, showed these differences through its selection of winners and the nature of the event itself.

Emphasis on British talent and stories

BAFTA often prioritizes films with strong British connections. This year, “Conclave”, a film directed by Edward Berger and based on Robert Harris’s novel, won Best Film as well as Outstanding British Film.

The movie, featuring Ralph Fiennes as a troubled cardinal, reflects BAFTA’s commitment to recognizing British narratives and talent.

In contrast, the Oscars tend to focus more on Hollywood productions, sometimes overlooking films rooted in British culture.

Recognition of emerging talent

BAFTA is known for bringing rising stars and unique voices in cinema to the limelight. Mikey Madison’ s win for Best Leading Actress in “Anora” , directed by Sean Baker, exemplifies this.

The film tells the story of a New York table dancer who marries a Russian oligarch family.

Madison’s performance, though less recognized in Hollywood circles, received significant acclaim at BAFTA, showcasing the organization’s dedication to acknowledging diverse talent.

Diverse genre representation

The 2025 BAFTAs celebrated a wide range of genres. “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” won Best Animated Film and Best Children’s & Family Film, highlighting BAFTA’s appreciation for animated features.

Additionally, “Emilia Pérez”, a Spanish-language musical crime film, secured Best Film Not in the English Language and Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña.

This genre diversity contrasts with the Oscars, which often favor traditional dramas.

Distinct voting processes

The BAFTA and Oscar awards have different voting systems. BAFTA nominations are decided by individual branches of professionals in each category, ensuring that experts in specific fields recognize excellence within their domain.

This approach can lead to a broader range of films and performances being acknowledged.

In contrast, Oscar nominations are influenced by the entire Academy’s membership, which can result in a more homogenized selection.

Ceremony tone and presentation

The BAFTA ceremony is known for its understated and respectful atmosphere. David Tennant’s hosting, marked by light humor and a focus on the achievements of the nominees, reflects this tone.

The event balances celebration with professionalism, differing from the Oscars’ often grandiose and entertainment-focused presentations.

This year’s awards demonstrated the organization’s distinct taste, showcasing British talent, diverse genres, and emerging voices.

These differences from Hollywood’s Oscars show the unique cultural perspectives and values that BAFTA brings to the global film industry.