One of the Guild’s stated aims was to provide awards of merit for outstanding work in television. The first of the Guild award ceremonies was held at the Television Ball of the Savoy Hotel in October 1954. The awards on this occasion were six in number, presented to actors (two awards), a writer, a producer, a designer, and a “personality.” In 1957 the number of awards was expanded to nine to accommodate entries from Independent television, including one for “Light Entertainment Artist” which went to Tony Hancock. In 1960 the Desmond Davis award for “outstanding service to television” was added to commemorate a founding member and past chairman. The first recipient was the broadcaster Richard Dimbleby. The number and the categories covered increased and varied over the years, and by 1967 there were 17 Guild awards and three additional awards presented under the aegis of the Guild by Mullard Ltd., Shell International, and the National Institute of Adult Education. The total currently stands at 39 television awards and 23 film awards (or BAFTAs).

In 1998 the film and television awards ceremonies were separated. Since then, Radio Times has acted as sponsor of the television awards (the official name of the event is now The British Academy Television Awards sponsored by Radio Times). Orange (a mobile phone company) has sponsored the film awards since 1998, which are now formally known as The Orange British Academy Film Awards. BAFTA hosts five awards ceremonies annually. The film awards are held in February. Television production is honored in April, and television craft in May. In October the interactive entertainment awards ceremony is held (in 2003, this was split into two separate awards categories, interactive and games). Finally, the children’s film and television awards are presented late in the year (November/December).

Nominations for awards are initially determined by suggestions from members, broadcasters, and producers. Before the announcement of nominations, voting members are responsible for determining the television nominations. After nominations are announced, the voting membership is asked to vote again, this time for the winners in the categories of actor, actress, entertainment performance, and comedy performance. All other awards are determined by a jury of industry-based individuals.

The BAFTA awards enjoy a high degree of credibility and prestige. Although not as influential as the American Academy Awards, the BAFTA awards are increasingly seen as enhancing the subsequent commercial success of films and programs. Televising of the awards ceremony in Britain is a media event second only to the Oscars, and keeps BAFTA awards in the public eye. Despite the benefits of awards, there has been little evidence in Britain of any lobbying to influence panel decisions.

Television awards are primarily devoted to British television. New categories of award are constantly emerging in response to developments within the media. A recent addition has been the Lew Grade Audience Award (the People’s Vote).

Film awards are international, although there is one reserved for best British film, the Alexander Korda Award. This category is increasingly difficult to determine given the prevalence of co-production arrangements, films made for television with prior release to cinema audiences (e.g. FilmFour by Channel 4), and films made in Britain with American backing.

Distinguished contributors to the shaping of the organization include Richard Cawston, Lord Attenborough, Sir Sydney Samuelson, and Sir David Puttnam.