The BAFTA logo, representing the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, is based on a gold theatrical mask. The mask can appear alone or in a horizontal composition to the left of the BAFTA name, set in serif capitals. The lettering is black on light backgrounds and white on dark backgrounds; the mask is gold in both cases. Its pattern of highlights and shadows changes with the background while retaining the recognisable facial features. Gold lines depict the face, hair, light and shade, while transparent areas preserve the openings within the design. The image draws on the award mask created by American sculptor Mitzi Cunliffe in 1955. Chris Mitchell developed the graphic illustration for the identity, commissioned by Rose during the brand’s refresh for the academy’s 60th anniversary. Both the standalone mask and the composition with the name are permanent BAFTA marks, contain no year and represent the academy as a whole.
BAFTA, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, is an independent British arts charity supporting professionals in film, television and video games. Its history began in 1947 with the founding of the British Film Academy by a group of filmmakers brought together by producer Alexander Korda; director David Lean was its first chairman. In 1958, the film academy merged with the Guild of Television Producers and Directors, and its current name was adopted in 1976. Today BAFTA holds separate awards ceremonies for film, television and games, organises screenings, talks and educational events, and runs programmes supporting emerging talent and professional development. The BAFTA Film Awards are one area of its work. The BAFTA name identifies the academy itself and brings its different awards and initiatives together within a shared visual system.
