BAFTA Launches Review Following Concerns Raised Over Trustees Accepting Free Awards Guest Tickets

BAFTA has launched an independent review after concerns were raised during its annual general meeting regarding trustees potentially breaching UK charity law by accepting free guest tickets to awards ceremonies.

Michael Pritchett, an independent film producer and elected chair of BAFTA’s membership council, stated at the AGM that trustees may have broken rules preventing them from receiving remuneration or benefits. According to a transcription seen by Deadline, Pritchett alleged that the custom of providing complimentary tickets for trustees and a guest had persisted for up to 20 years. He claimed top-table tickets for film awards could be worth up to £2,000.

Pritchett reported that he funded his own legal advice, which concluded that offenses under the Charities Act and Companies Act may have been committed by trustees who approved accounts stating no remuneration was received. He also questioned whether BAFTA properly paid tax and National Insurance on the tickets since 2016.

BAFTA discontinued the practice of offering plus-one tickets to trustees last year following governance committee recommendations. An independent review group consisting of three industry executives is now examining historic ticketing arrangements. A BAFTA spokesperson noted that trustees attend events in a working capacity as ambassadors, and while guest tickets were stopped in 2025, the organization stands by providing free tickets to the trustees themselves.

During the meeting, former chair Sara Putt mentioned that BAFTA obtained separate legal advice based on a fuller picture, which has not been shared publicly. Pritchett also criticized the refusal of a senior executive to provide records detailing who received free tickets. The Guardian first reported on the AGM events.

Practical Implications and Verification

• Governance Review: An independent group is currently reviewing historic ticketing practices following internal concerns.
• Legal Questions: Questions regarding charity law compliance and tax reporting remain under examination by the organization.
• Verification: Official updates and statements regarding the review process can be verified through BAFTA’s official communications channels.