The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has allocated more than £270,000 to support the development of 112 individuals in the gaming, film, and television sectors in the United Kingdom and United States

BAFTA has distributed over £270,000 in funding to 112 individuals across the UK and North America as part of the 2026 Prince William BAFTA Bursary and scholarship initiatives.

These initiatives aim to provide emerging talent in the gaming, film, and television sectors with financial support and practical resources to advance their careers.

This year, the Prince William Bursary assisted 100 applicants, a notable rise of 40% from the previous year.

The bursary allocates up to £2,000 to recipients in Wales, Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland to help with expenses like education, equipment, software, moving costs, and driving lessons.

According to BAFTA, 98% of those who received grants in 2024 and 2025 reported that the financial aid enabled them to pursue opportunities they would not have been able to access otherwise, and 88.2% stated it significantly boosted their confidence in the industry.

Among the 2026 UK bursary recipients in the gaming sector are:

• Bellayna Lopez – 2D game artist & animator
• Erin Curtis – freelance 2D game artist
• Jessica Murray – game designer and writer
• Leviathan Vi Amare – technical artist
• Sean Simmons – freelance illustrator and concept artist
• Serina Lopez – 2D artist x game producer
• Symoné – game designer

UK scholarship recipients benefit from up to £12,000 for educational and living expenses, along with mentoring and complimentary entry to BAFTA events throughout the year.

In North America, scholars can receive up to $60,000 for studies at institutions like Columbia University, Loyola Marymount University, New York University, School of Visual Arts, and Stanford University.

The UK scholarship initiative is supported by The Reuben Foundation and BAFTA patrons, while the North American program has backing from the Fulbright Program, Sir Mark Pigott KBE, and Tina Micklethwait.

UK recipients of the 2026 gaming scholarships include:

• Hamzah Ali, Staffordshire University, Reuben Scholar, MA Games Art
• Ava Rogerson, Norwich University of the Arts (NUA), BAFTA Scholarship, BA Games Art and Design

Hilary Rosen, BAFTA's deputy chair, expressed, "BAFTA is committed to nurturing new talent essential to our industries' future. The Prince William BAFTA Bursary and Scholarships programs provide crucial support to emerging creatives who might otherwise be barred from careers in the screen arts. We are thrilled to introduce the 2026 group and eagerly anticipate their future successes."