Who is the BAFTA mask modelled on?

The BAFTAs – the biggest film awards in Britain – will take place across two virtual events this weekend, with colossal talents in the industry including Anthony Hopkins, the late Chadwick Boseman and Frances McDormand some of the names nominated for an award.

Run by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, each year, the award ceremony celebrates key accomplishments and innovations across film, television and games and the winners will receive the instantly recognisable BAFTA award.

The award is in the shape of a mask, but who is the mask modelled on and who designed it?

Here is all you need to know.

Who is the BAFTA mask modelled on?

The BAFTA mask is modelled on the traditional concept of the tragicomic theatrical mask, though it has a more neutral expression.

Also, the reverse of the BAFTA mask bears an electronic symbol around one eye and a screen symbol around the other, linking dramatic production and television technology.

The original tragicomic theatrical masks are so synonymous with theatre, they are included as an emoji on Apple phones, as well as often being included in theatrical buildings the world over.

These masks have origins back to Ancient Greece, where they were used in early plays to represent the emotions the characters were feeling. It was easier for audience members who were sitting far away from the stage to see the masks.

At that time, women were not allowed to act in any of the plays, so the men were able to wear these masks, especially if they had to play a female role.

The two masks – one usually shown smiling and one looking sad or in pain – have official names.

The name Melpomene represents the tragedy mask – or Muse of Tragedy – and the name Thalia represents the comedy mask – or Muse of Comedy.

Who designed the BAFTA mask?

The BAFTA award was designed in 1955 by US sculptor Mitzi Cunliffe.

That year, a trophy mask was commissioned by Andrew Miller-Jones of the Guild of Television Producers.

The Guild of Television Producers and Directors merged with the British Film Academy in 1958 to become the Society of Film and Television Arts, which then became the British Academy of Film and Television Arts in 1976.

 At the royal opening of the new BAFTA premises in 1976, the first BAFTA mask, cast in bronze, was presented to Sir Charles Chaplin who was honoured as an Academy Fellow by the Academy’s President Princess Anne.

The BAFTA opening night broadcast will be available to watch from 8pm on BBC Two on Saturday, April 10 and the grand finale will air on BBC One from 7pm on Sunday, April 11.

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