BAFTA film awards undergo major changes

Adam Dawtrey of Variety has details on significant changes with how the top British film awards, the BAFTAs, are selected.

Among the key points: The first round of voting, which narrowed the field down to each category to 15 contenders, has been eliminated.  Instead, contenders in each race will be knocked down to a final five. Along with streamlining the vote, this gives BAFTA some flexibility with its scheduling, especially to avoid conflicts with the Oscar voting schedule.

In addition, winners in all 11 below-the-line categories will be picked by the full BAFTA membership, after the chapters in each race choose the nominees. Previously, the process was reversed, with the chapters voting for the winners. 

For more on other changes and their impact, click here.