26 September 2025
Newsdesk
BAFTA has announced that it has awarded over £277,000 in grants through its 2025 scholarship programmes and the Prince William BAFTA Bursary, supporting 86 emerging creatives in the UK and North America. This increased support aims to help the next generation of filmmakers, games designers, actors, producers, and editors who face financial barriers in launching their careers.
The recipients were celebrated at a special Patron, Bursary & Scholarships Breakfast at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly. The event featured a welcome address by BAFTA Chair Sara Putt, followed by a Q&A with actor and director Peter Capaldi, a long-time bursary supporter, hosted by broadcaster Ali Plumb. Attendees included fellow supporter, actor and producer Elaine Collins, and the gathering acknowledged the generosity of donors, including founding supporter Paul Greengrass.
Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA, emphasized the importance of the grants: "Opening doors for the next generation of storytellers is at the heart of BAFTA’s mission. Our bursaries and scholarships remove the practical and financial barriers that too often stand in the way of talented people starting out in film, games, and television." She noted that the support—which covers everything from tuition fees to specialist equipment and driving lessons—can be the difference between someone stepping back from their ambitions or moving forward with confidence.
Peter Capaldi, reflecting on his own career, highlighted the bursaries’ impact: "I recognise from my own experience just how hard it can be to break into our industry... These bursaries provide just that financial support, as well as a link and a contact to BAFTA."
Previous recipients have gone on to work on major productions like Doctor Who (BBC/Disney+) and Netflix Originals. This year's funding ensures that talented creatives, regardless of background, can forge a career in the screen arts. Booking for the LFF For Free programme will open on Thursday, October 2nd.
