What this awards season need is a shot in the arm as Omicron wreaks havoc globally.
Things weren’t very promising on the awards front, to begin with since the glitzy Golden Globes’ show that for years boosted Oscar contenders was on the ice. It worked when that ice-chilled free-flowing champagne was on NBC’s live telecast. But with HFPA in limbo, its online wins 1/9 weren’t very valuable to awards marketers.
It looked like the Critics Choice Awards would fill that gap with their own live telecast 1/9 on CW and TBS. Unfortunately, that also was torpedoed — but by Omicron. CCA wins could have sparked some mid-January awards momentum. Academy members vote for nominations 1/27-2/1. CCA wins 1/9 might have helped Oscar hopefuls like WEST SIDE STORY (pictured) and KING RICHARD. Instead, CCA won’t open sealed envelopes until 3/13, two weeks before the Oscars on 3/27.
Worse yet, 3/13 is also the date for BAFTA in London. Double-nominees will attend where they think is best for them and do what’s possible with pandemic travel. But now headlines will be shared by BAFTA & CCA and BAFTA being the bigger and more glamorous event will likely get the most attention.