Anticipating the Upcoming Awards Season: Key Dates and Details
The buzz surrounding the Emmy Awards has barely settled, and now, the film awards season is ramping up. As the industry transitions from celebrating television excellence to honoring cinematic achievements, it’s time to gear up for a wave of prestigious ceremonies. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of upcoming award shows and their nomination dates, designed to help you navigate this exciting time in entertainment.
November Events
November kicks off the award season with a series of noteworthy events:
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November 16: Governors Awards (Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
This prestigious event honors individuals for their lifetime achievements in film. The Governors Awards are often a precursor to the Academy Awards, celebrating contributions that extend beyond traditional categories. -
November 19: Hollywood Music In Media Awards
Recognizing excellence in music compositions across all media, this event celebrates music in film, television, and video games. -
November 19: CMA Awards (Country Music Association)
Aimed at recognizing outstanding achievements in country music, the CMA Awards bring together the genre’s biggest stars for a night of celebration.
December Highlights
As we transition into December, the excitement continues:
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December 1: Gotham Film Awards
Celebrating independent filmmakers, the Gotham Awards highlight outstanding achievements in film, often showcasing fresh and innovative voices. -
December 3: Spirit Awards nominations
This ceremony focuses on independent films and is renowned for its critical acclaim. -
December 3: NBR Awards (National Board of Review)
With a wide range of categories, the NBR Awards are crucial in setting the tone for the Oscars. -
December 4: Critics Choice Awards TV nominations
Recognizing the best in television, this awards show is often seen as a key indicator of Emmy potential. -
December 5: Critics Choice Awards film nominations
This event highlights achievements in film, setting stage for upcoming awards. -
December 8: Golden Globe Awards nominations
One of the most watched awards shows, the Golden Globes cover both film and television categories, generating substantial media buzz. -
December 10: ICG Publicists Awards TV nominations
Recognizing the art of public relations in television, this event is particularly significant for those who handle media. -
December 12: Costume Designers Guild Awards nominations
This ceremony honors design excellence in costume creation across various formats. -
December 16: SCL Awards nominations (Society of Composers & Lyricists)
A notable night for music composition in media, where composers get the recognition they deserve. -
December 29: MUAHS Awards nominations (Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild)
Celebrating excellence in makeup and hairstyling, this awards show broadens the scope of recognition within the film industry.
January Awakening
As we step into the new year, the awards buzz only intensifies:
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January 3: Palm Springs International Film Awards
This festival recognizes the best films from around the world and often serves as a warm-up to the Oscars. -
January 4: Critics Choice Awards
The main event showcases the best films and TV shows of the past year, gathering significant media attention. -
January 7: SAG Awards nominations
These nominations highlight performances by actors and actresses in film and television. -
January 7: Art Directors Guild Awards nominations
Focusing on production design within the industry, this event emphasizes artistic elements in film and television. -
January 8: ASC Awards nominations (American Society of Cinematographers)
An event dedicated to visual excellence, honoring outstanding cinematography. -
January 8: Cinema Eye Honors
Celebrating documentary film achievements, this event shines a light on the documentary genre. -
January 9: PGA Awards nominations
Recognizing excellence in producing, the Producers Guild Awards are a cornerstone of the awards season. -
January 10: Movies for Grownups Awards (AARP)
This event celebrates films targeted at older viewers, ensuring diverse storytelling as audiences age. -
January 11: Golden Globe Awards
The ceremony is one of the year’s most awaited nights, blending glitz, glamour, and a few surprises. -
January 13: National Board of Review Awards Gala
Gathering industry talent and luminaries, this gala honors films and performances deemed exceptional. -
January 14: ICG Publicists Awards motion picture nominations
Like their television counterpart, these awards focus on public relations within the film sector. -
January 20: CAS Awards nominations (Cinema Audio Society)
Celebrating excellence in sound, this awards night highlights a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of filmmaking. -
January 22: Oscar nominations
The most anticipated nominations of the season, signaling the top contenders for the Academy Awards. -
January 27: Writers Guild Awards nominations
This awards ceremony recognizes outstanding writing in film and television. -
January 27: ACE Eddie Awards nominations (American Cinema Editors)
Focusing on editing excellence, this awards night is vital in recognizing post-production efforts. -
TBA: Artios Awards nominations (film and London theatre)
An event recognizing casting directors and their significant contribution to the industry.
A Look Ahead to February
The excitement carries into February with events that lead to the grand finale, the Oscars:
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February 1: Grammy Awards
This premier music event intersects with film as artists cross genres and contribute to soundtracks. -
February 6: SCL Awards
Another opportunity for composers to shine. -
February 7: DGA Awards
Recognizing directors’ outstanding achievements in film and television. -
February 12: Costume Designers Guild Awards
An event that highlights the creative vision behind iconic costumes. -
February 14: MUAHS Awards
Recognizing excellence in makeup and hairstyling, coinciding with film festivals. -
February 15: Spirit Awards
Celebrating independent cinema again, showcasing films that may not have mainstream appeal. -
February 15: AAFCA Awards (African American Film Critics Association)
Recognizing films for their cultural impact and significance. -
February 26: Artios Awards
Honoring casting directors, this event highlights a pivotal yet often underappreciated role. -
February 27: ACE Eddie Awards
Highlighting exemplary editing, stressing the importance of storytelling through pacing. -
February 28: PGA Awards
Concluding the month’s accolades, rewarding the best in producing.
March Celebrations
March ensures the season continues with even more awards:
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March 1: The Actor Awards Presented By SAG-AFTRA (formerly SAG Awards)
This event recognizes the best performances in acting, esteemed within industry circles. -
March 7: CAS Awards
Yet another opportunity to celebrate the behind-the-scenes artists. -
March 7: SOC Awards (Society of Camera Operators)
Honoring the artistry in camera work and operation. -
March 8: Writers Guild Awards
A celebration of storytelling mastery, acknowledging the writers who shape narratives. -
March 8: ASC Awards
Highlighting extraordinary achievements in cinematography. -
March 8: Golden Reels Awards
Celebrating sound editing and mixing, this event underscores the auditory experience of cinema. -
March 13: ICG Publicists Awards
Recognizing excellence in the field of marketing and public relations. -
March 15: Academy Awards
The epitome of film awards season, the Oscars celebrate and recognize the best films, performances, and talents of the year.
April Closing Ceremony
As the awards season concludes, April houses a special recognition event:
- April 28: Scientific and Technical Awards Presentation
Spotlighting advancements and innovations in the technical aspects of filmmaking, this ceremony recognizes achievements that often go unnoticed.
As the awards season unfolds, each event is not just a celebration but a tribute to the creativity and hard work invested in film and television. Be sure to mark your calendars and stay tuned for updates as the nominees and winners are unveiled.


