Award Shows During a Pandemic
Camille Gitow
The glitz and glamour that typically surrounds Hollywood’s award shows have lasted over half a century– an impressive feat for a culture that changes so rapidly.
The Golden Globes will be presented on February 28th, 2021, and are hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. The Golden Globes cover awards for television and film and were created by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. The nominees this year feature many productions created by streaming services (i.e Hamilton, Normal People, Ratched, etc.). This is a rising trend Hollywood is experiencing, especially after this year of inconsistency and closures.
Speaking of closures, COVID-19 will unfortunately be impacting these shows as well. Tina Fey will be hosting live from New York’s Rainbow Room, and Amy Poehler will be presenting from the Beverly Hilton Hotel in California. Sophia Piscitell ‘21 shares her feelings on COVID-19 and the award shows: “I love watching award shows and hearing about good movies to watch. I don’t think COVID will have much of an effect on the shows except they will be less focused on the social aspect like the red carpet and more on the films and actors”. Many agree with her, especially after The Emmys’s (almost) fully remote show.
It seems that the Oscars are hoping to have a hybrid model, indicated through their reluctance to share any concrete details, and their vacation of the late February slot, opting instead for April 25th, 2021. The traditions of the event that have been lost due to the pandemic are treasured, and it is noted that the red carpet event is a major draw for viewers: “Personally, my favorite part about watching these award shows is getting to see all the celebrity’s outfits, so I hope that even with COVID-19 they find a way to continue the tradition of the red carpet” Jessica Bailey ‘21.
Regardless of restrictions implemented to prevent the spread of the pandemic, the celebration of the film industry, both those in front and behind the camera won’t be one you’ll want to miss.