As the 79th annual BAFTA Awards approach, a member of the voting body, Larushka Ivan-Zadeh, has shared insights into the selection process for winners. Contrary to common perceptions, many voters do not watch every single film submitted for consideration, which raises questions about the integrity and thoroughness of the awards. Ivan-Zadeh herself viewed 112 films out of 221 submitted, indicating that it's likely other members have not seen all entries either.

This year’s ceremony is scheduled for January 22 at London's Royal Festival Hall, and it will shine a spotlight on the best in British cinema. With such a high number of submissions, it becomes increasingly challenging for voters to fairly evaluate each film based solely on available viewing time. Ivan-Zadeh's revelations aim to shed light on the extent to which voters engage with the films, illustrating a divide between public expectations and the reality of the voting process.

The implications of these insights suggest a need for transparency in how voting is conducted within prestigious awards like the BAFTAs. Given the high stakes involved for filmmakers, an understanding of the voting habits may impact how future films are submitted and promoted, as industry insiders and audiences alike question the fairness and rigor of the current process.