awardseason

Awardseason, often written as awardseason, refers to the annual period during which a cluster of major awards for film, television, and music are announced and presented. In the United States, it typically spans from the fall through the early spring and includes the Oscars (Academy Awards), the Primetime Emmys, the Grammy Awards, and the Golden Globes, among others. Other countries maintain their own cycles, such as the BAFTA Awards in the United Kingdom and the César Awards in France, which often coincide with the broader season.

During the season, studios, networks, and distributors run campaigns to raise visibility and favor with voters. Eligibility windows determine which works count for a given year. Nominations are announced in advance, and winners are decided by members of the relevant body, typically through private ballots and official counting processes.

The season can influence marketing strategies, critical reception, and audience interest. A strong awards run can boost box office performance, streaming viewership, or the commercial life of a project, while wins and nominations often affect bidding, distribution, and careers.

Criticism and debate surround the season, including concerns about lobbying, gatekeeping, and diversity and representation. Changes to rules, voting procedures, and eligibility have been implemented by various bodies to address these issues, and the prominence of streaming services has led to ongoing adjustments in some award programs.