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The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has amended its rules to give itself the right to retroactively revoke awards in case of conviction for crimes or “proven dishonesty”. This was reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
New standards of the academy
The changes will take effect next year. BAFTA will have the opportunity to review the achievements of the winners and cancel the recognition if their behaviour contradicts the values of the academy.
BAFTA CEO Sarah Putt noted that the innovations are partly related to the case of former BBC News presenter Hugh Edwards. This year, he was found guilty of creating indecent images of children.
Edwards, who won seven individual BAFTA awards between 2002 and 2017, faced the possibility of being stripped of his awards.
The move is part of a wider initiative by BAFTA to strengthen standards of ethics and responsibility in the film and television industry. The new rules are designed to protect the reputation of the award and ensure that recognition is given to individuals who meet moral and professional standards.
BAFTA stressed that from now on, the winners must not only demonstrate outstanding professional achievements, but also meet high standards of behaviour as public figures.
