Awards Season

With the end of 2021, a season of celebration approaches, with snubs and sweeps around. Because of the ongoing pandemic, however, many of these long-held traditions have changed format. Last year, many award shows were postponed and even canceled. This year brings a new positivity, but Omicron may change that.

The first Awards show this season was the Golden Globes, which is a general awards show that specializes in film, on television and in theaters. The 79th annual Golden Globe awards continued during the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases, but not in front of an audience. NBC, who in the past years has broadcasted the Awards show, decided not to film or broadcast it this year.

Of the other main Awards shows, only the Academy Awards (Oscars) have not been postponed indefinitely. The Tonys, Grammys, and Emmys have all been postponed or flat-out canceled. Are televised Awards Shows on their last legs? Or do they just need changing?

“I think that awards shows in today’s culture are corrupt and do not represent popular opinions or objective critique,” said Wade Schacht, Drama Club Vice-President and student at Central high school. “I think that over time, as the media continues to transition to new generations, we will see a real change in how [awards shows] are run, but they will continue”.

Another possible reason for the lack of Golden Globes on the TV schedule is the lack of Black and POC nominees and winners in the Awards show’s history. Many stars on the big and small screen have come out to boycott the Globes. Tom Cruise has even returned three of his awards in protest.

But that doesn’t mean that the other awards shows will stop completely. They are, of course, a joyous occasion. They represent high art in music, film, and theater, and the consistent greatness that Hollywood provides.

“I think they are great at giving really talented people the spotlight they deserve, especially if they are underrated,” said Sydney Gardner of Central’s Pop-Culture club. “Though sometimes it can be irritating watching the same artists, actors, etc. getting the same awards over and over again. I think as long as the art is valued, award shows for people's art will be valued as well”.