As the BAFTA TV Tea Party makes its return to Los Angeles, the Student Academy Awards are headed to London for the first time.
Normally hosted at its Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in Beverly Hills, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Thursday that the 51st annual international student film competition will take place Monday, Oct. 14 at London’s Odeon Luxe Leicester Square after winners are announced in September.
In partnership with the BFI London Film Festival, Student Academy Award winners will have access to panels and networking opportunities, as well as exclusive access to Academy members in support of their career advancement. Additionally, winning films will be eligible to compete at the 97th Academy Awards in the Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film or Documentary Short Film categories.
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The awards show will also be sponsored by Rolex as part of the Academy100 initiative, a $500 million global revenue diversification and outreach program launched this year in support of the Student Academy Awards and other programs that recognize excellence in cinematic artistry and innovation.
“As a leader in our international film community, and as our organization becomes more global in focus, the Academy is thrilled to bring the Student Academy Awards to London this year,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer. “We are deeply grateful to our partners at Rolex for their support of this vital program and for sharing our commitment to discovering and fostering emerging filmmakers. We are also so very thankful to the BFI London Film Festival for its partnership.”