US - Bafta

Read the US handbook Start your BAFTA Breakthrough US application

2025's BAFTA Breakthrough US Cohort

BAFTA Breakthrough exists to support film, games and TV talent at a defining moment in their careers. Helping turn an exciting breakthrough moment into a long and sustainable future in the industry.

BAFTA Breakthrough US

BAFTA Breakthrough US has been running in North America since 2020, with participants selected by their peers from across the industry.

Like its counterpart in the UK, the programme particularly welcomes applications from individuals from underrepresented groups who have faced barriers to progression in their careers.

If you are 18 or over, work in North America, and meet the specific program eligibility criteria in the handbook you can apply. Applications are now open until Wednesday 1 July, 2026. Visit apply.bafta.org to start your application today.

Who is BAFTA Breakthrough for?

BAFTA Breakthrough US is for emerging talent who have had a standout year in the screen and gaming industries. You may already have experience under your belt, but if this is the year you’ve stepped into a lead role or made a significant impact on a project, this program is designed with you in mind.

Being selected as a BAFTA Breakthrough participant opens the door to a full year of meaningful support and opportunity. Participants receive:

Full voting membership of BAFTA for one year
Free access to BAFTA events and screenings globally
Access to the members’ space at 195 Piccadilly
A year of industry introductions and personalized career development
Opportunities to raise your profile across the screen and gaming industries

FAQS

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Be working in and primarily residing in North America
- Hold a professional credit on a project released in the US between September 2025 and July 2026 (or one reasonably expected to be released within that window at the time of application)
- Have held a lead or impactful role on their nominated Breakthrough project
Full details are outlined in the US handbook.
Eligible projects must have been released between September 2025 and July 2026. If you are uncertain whether your project falls within this window, we encourage you to review the full eligibility criteria in the US handbook before applying.
No. We recognize that careers in the industry are varied and non-linear. Provided the project you are submitting represents your sophomore credit as a lead, you are eligible regardless of prior roles or credits held across other productions.
Applicants are asked to nominate one project per application. Please select the project that best represents your Breakthrough moment or most clearly demonstrates the criteria outlined below.
Given the collaborative nature of film, television, and games, we define a leading or impactful role as one in which an individual has held a key position within a team and made a demonstrable contribution to the outcome of the project.

Impact may also extend beyond the project itself. When assessing your application, consider whether your work:
- Represented a first-of-its-kind role within your field
- Raised awareness of or advanced conversations around underrepresented issues in the industry
- Broke new ground or established best practice
- Influenced a campaign or contributed to policy change outside the scope of the project
- Introduced a new technique, method, or technology to the field
Should you be selected to the program, we ask that you make yourself available during the week of 5 October, 2026 for your official announcement photoshoot and interviews. Further details and scheduling information will be provided in advance of that date.
If your question does not seem to be addressed on this page or within our handbook, please reach out to initiatives.us@bafta.org.