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BAFTA Adds AI Investigation Clause to Television Awards Entry Rules

The new rules also recognize HBO Max as an eligible broadcaster following its launch in the United Kingdom, with the 2027 ceremony set for May 9.

Alan Carr winning Memorable Moment at BAFTA TV Awards May 26
Alan Carr winning Memorable Moment at BAFTA TV Aw…      Bafta Television Awards    JaceMerlyn / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
By Free News Press Editorial Team
Published August 6, 2026 at 1:19 PM PDT

BAFTA has updated its Television Awards entry rules to give itself the authority to investigate submissions where generative artificial intelligence played a role in the work. The organization announced the change as part of its rules for the upcoming awards cycle.

The new clause places human creativity at the center of what BAFTA recognizes. According to a report by Deadline, the clause states: "The awards are presented annually to recognise, honour and reward individuals for outstanding human achievement in originating, shaping and realising the final artistic outcome of television regardless of the tools used to bring this work to life."

The clause continues: "Where the use of generative AI or other digital tools is relevant to the assessment of the work, BAFTA reserves the right to request additional information regarding the nature of such use and the extent of human creative involvement."

The updated rules do not ban AI outright but give BAFTA the option to ask for more information when it deems the use of such tools relevant to its assessment.

In a separate change, HBO Max will now be considered a broadcaster for entry eligibility purposes following its launch in the United Kingdom. To qualify for the BAFTA TV Awards, shows must have been initiated and developed in the UK, with creative control residing within the UK, or a UK broadcaster must have had primary editorial control over the programme.

The BAFTA TV Awards are currently open for entries. Nominations will be announced on March 22, 2027, and the ceremony is scheduled for May 9, 2027.

Pixie McKenna and Christian Jessen from Channel 4's Embarrassing Illnesses and Embarrassing Bodies.

On the red carpet at the BAFTA Awards, held at the Royal Festival Hall, on the Southbank in London.
Pixie McKenna and Christian Jessen from Channel 4…      Bafta Television Awards    Damien Everett / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)