Bafta scraps special awards for 2022 after Noel Clarke sexual misconduct allegations

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(Getty Pictures)

Bafta has announced that it will not present any special awards at its 2022 ceremonies.

Last year, actor Noel Clarke received the special award for outstanding contribution to film at the 2021 film awards, but was publicly accused of sexual harassment and misconduct by 20 women days later.

While Bafta suspended Clarke, it was claimed in the original report that they were made aware of the allegations before the show and continued to reward Clarke for her work anyway.

Bafta did not dispute receiving “anonymous emails and reports of allegations via intermediaries”, but said “no evidence has been provided” that would allow an investigation to be launched.

On Monday, January 24, the awards body announced that no special recognition awards would be given at this year’s Film and Game Baftas to fully incorporate changes to how recipients are chosen.

A statement read: “[A recent review] concluded that these awards remain a vital way to celebrate excellence and inspire future generations of talent in film, games and television and we look forward to honoring outstanding contributions to these industries in the future.

“Due to the time required to properly implement the recommendations of this review, these non-competitive awards, including scholarship, will not be part of this year’s 2022 movie or game awards ceremonies, but we we plan to present special awards at our TV Awards Ceremony in May.

The Bafta Fellowship is a lifetime achievement award and was won last year by director Ang Lee (Life of Pi, Brokeback Mountain, Sense and Sensibility, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon).

As part of the changes, members will be asked to become more involved in suggesting candidates for consideration. A new committee will also be set up to improve diversity among applicants.

The 2022 Bafta Film Awards will take place on March 13.

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