An indispensable guide to the film awards season: from Golden Globes to Oscars
Between February and April, six film ceremonies are on the calendar
Winner of the Leading Actress award for 'The Favourite', Olivia Colman poses in the press room during the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London, UK. Getty
Glenn Close poses in the press room after winning the Best Female Lead for 'The Wife' at the 2019 Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California, US. EPA
Rami Malek holds his Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role for 'Bohemian Rhapsody' as he poses in the press room during the 91st annual Academy Awards ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, US. EPA
Amy Adams, winner of Best Actress in a Movie/Limited Series for 'Sharp Objects', poses in the press room at the 24th Annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, US. Getty
Renee Zellweger poses with the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by Female Actor in a Leading Role in 'Judy', in the press room during the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, US. EPA
Matt Damon holds the award for Best Actor – Motion Picture, Comedy for 'The Martian' in the press room at the 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, US. EPA
Do you know your Guild from your Critics and your Bafta from your Oscar? The film industry likes to go big, when it comes to awards. Why have one ceremony when a whole season will suffice, culminating in the collision of high fashion on the red carpet, ostentatious gold statuettes and celebrity sparkle that is the Oscars?
In all honesty, it could be argued that the annual awards season never really begins or ends for the industry. A year-round cycle of festivals, beginning with Sundance in January and never really taking a break until the Golden Globes nominations are announced, usually in December, ensures that barely a week passes without awards being given to films somewhere in the world.
It’s the two months or so leading up to the Oscars, however (usually in February, although delayed this year by Covid-19), when things really go into overdrive, as a host of glitzy warm-up events take place in the preceding weeks.
You’ve probably heard of some of them, but what exactly are all these awards? Why do they exist? And should you really care?
Find out with our indispensable guide to awards season.
The Golden Globes
What?The awards handed out by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Founded in 1944.
Where / when?The Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills. Usually in January, but this year on Sunday, February 28.
Why should you care? The Globes is something of a wild child among the annual glut of awards ceremonies. The panel of about 100 foreign journalists, based in Los Angeles, can make some fairly idiosyncratic choices, frequently offering a very different perspective from the other major awards.
Its hosts, meanwhile, in particular Ricky Gervais, who has hosted the event five times since 2010, are happy to poke fun at Hollywood and its stars in a way you simply wouldn’t see at the more prestigious events on the calendar. All this has led to the awards being seen as something of a fun event to kick off the season before the more serious awards take place.
The Globes isn’t without its faults, though. Its insistence on placing films in categories such as Best Motion Picture: Comedy or Musical seems outdated and can lead to some bizarre results (for example when the decidedly non-comedic The Martian won the award in 2016).
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will host a bicoastal event this year, with Fey at New York’s Rainbow Room, so those invited from the East Coast don’t have to make the cross-country trip.
See the best red-carpet looks from last year's event:
Jennifer Aniston arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills. AFP
Jonathan Pryce and wife Kathy Fahy arrive for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. EPA
Annabelle Wallis arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. EPA
Helen Mirren arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards on January 5, 2020. AFP
Margot Robbie arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. EPA
Lauren Graham arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony. EPA
British actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge chose a tailored suit for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Reese Witherspoon arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Award. AFP
Actress Jodie Comer wowed in emerald for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards on Sunday. AFP
US-Egyptian actor Rami Malek and actress Lucy Boynton arrive for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Naomi Watts arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. EPA
Zoe Kravitz arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Cate Blanchett arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Billy Porter chose all white for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. EPA
Jennifer Lopez arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Actress Kerry Washington arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Shailene Woodley arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Thomasin McKenzie arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. EPA
US actress Natasha Lyonne arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards on Sunday. AFP
Saoirse Ronan arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Singer and actress Taylor Swift chose a floral gown for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton hotel. AFP
Charlize Theron went for a bright green and black gown for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Leonardo DiCaprio arrives on the Golden Globes red carpet. AFP
Scarlett Johansson arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Comedian and host Ellen DeGeneres arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. EPA
Renee Zellweger wears powder blue for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Christina Applegate arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. EPA
Model Winnie Harlow arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. EPA
US actor Ben Platt arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Kaitlyn Dever arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. EPA
Brad Pitt arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Laura Dern arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
US comedian Ramy Youssef arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Tiffany Haddish on the Golden Globes red carpet at The Beverly Hilton hotel in California. AFP
Brad Pitt arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
US actress Rachel Brosnahan and husband, actor Jason Ralph, arrive for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Leonardo DiCaprio arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. EPA
Actress Awkwafina arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Actress Sienna Miller arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Daniel Craig arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. EPA
US actor Bill Hader and actress Rachel Bilson arrive for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Actor Jason Momoa and wife Lisa Bonet arrive for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Idina Menzel arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. EPA
US film director Quentin Tarantino arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas arrive for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony. EPA
Actress Rachel Bilson arrive for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards on January 5, 2020, at The Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California. / AFP / VALERIE MACON
Salma Hayek arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. EPA
Nicole Kidman arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. EPA
Samantha Bryant, Colin Hanks, Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Ann Hanks, Chet Hanks, and Truman Theodore Hanks arrive for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony. EPA
Gugu Mbatha-Raw arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. EPA
Bernie Taupin arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony. EPA
Margaret Qualley arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. EPA
Actress Lucy Boynton arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards on January 5, 2020, at The Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California. / AFP / VALERIE MACON
Michelle Williams and Thomas Kail arrive for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Olivia Colman arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. EPA
US actress Merritt Wever arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
US actor Adam Driver and wife, actress Joanne Tucker, arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Tobias Menzies arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony. EPA
Beanie Feldstein arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony. EPA
Rose Leslie and Kit Harington arrive for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony. EPA
British actor Taron Egerton and Emily Thomas arrive for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Sofia Vergara arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony. EPA
US actress Glenn Close arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. AFP
Elton John and David Furnish arrive for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards. EPA
Pedro Almodovar arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony. EPA
Critics Choice Awards
What? The awards voted for by the Critics Choice Association, which is made up of US and Canadian film and TV critics. Founded in 1996.
Where / when?The Barker Hangar, Santa Monica Airport. Usually in January, but this year on Sunday, March 7.
Why should you care? There are numerous critics’ awards handed out over the course of the season, since every major US city has its own circle of critics, but by far the highest profile event is the Critics Choice Awards. Winners are voted for by the hundreds of members of the Critics Choice Association, and film and TV are represented.
The event is televised in the US on the CW network, although this year’s will be a hybrid in-person and online affair.
How much importance you may want to attach to the awards probably depends on your opinion of film critics, but the Critics Choice Awards is historically the best indicator of Oscar winners, frequently lining up with the same nominees and winners in most of the biggest categories.
The Screen Actors' Guild Awards
What?The awards presented by the US Screen Actors Guild. Founded in 1995.
Where / when?The Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles. Usually in January, but this year on Sunday, April 4.
Why should you care? The Hollywood Guilds are essentially the unions that members of the film industry belong to.
All the guilds – writers’, producers’, directors’ and actors’ –
have their own awards, but it’s the SAG Awards that you’ll hear most about, perhaps unsurprisingly given the profile of the guild’s members and that it is the only guild awards ceremony to be televised annually. Actors love to receive the awards since it’s a form of recognition from their peers.
Like the Baftas, the SAGs is an indicator of what to expect at the Oscars, but it could learn a few things from the British Academy about time restrictions on acceptance speeches.
Take a look through images from last year's red carpet:
Jennifer Aniston in vintage Dior by John Galliano at the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 19, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Getty
Scarlett Johansson in Armani Prive at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. EPA
Cynthia Erivo in Schiaparelli at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, USA, 19 January 2020. EPA
Reese Witherspoon in Celine at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, USA, 19 January 2020. EPA
Jennifer Lopez in Georges Hobeika Couture at the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 19, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. AFP
Zoe Kravitz in Oscar de le Renta at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, USA, 19 January 2020. EPA
Gwendoline Christie in voluminous Rick Owens at the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 19, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Getty
Danai Gurira in Mugler at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, USA, 19 January 2020. EPA
Logan Browning in Jason Wu at the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 19, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. EPA
Lupita Nyong'o in Louis Vuitton at the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on January 19, 2020. / AFP / Jean-Baptiste Lacroix
Sophie Turner in Louis Vuitton at the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 19, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Getty
Charlize Theron in Givenchy at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, USA, 19 January 2020. EPA
Renee Zellweger in Maison Margiela at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. EPA
Millie Bobby Brown in Louis Vuitton at the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 19, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Getty
Margot Robbie in Chanel Resort at the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 19, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. EPA
Catherine O'Hara in Marc Jacobs at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Los Angeles. AP
Anna Paquin in Carolina Herrera at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, USA, 19 January 2020. EPA
Glenn Close in Oscar de la Renta at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, USA, 19 January 2020. EPA
Dakota Fanning in Valentino at the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 19, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Getty
Natalia Dyer in Saint Laurent with Charlie Heaton at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, USA, 19 January 2020. EPA
Nathalie Emmanuel in Miu Miu at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Los Angeles. AP
Madeline Brewer in Monique Lhuillier at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Los Angeles. AP
Jennifer Garner in Dolce & Gabbana at the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 19, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Getty
Yvonne Strahovski in Khyeli at the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on January 19, 2020. AFP
Allison Janney in Pamella Roland at the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on January 19, 2020. AFP
Christina Applegate in Monique Lhuillier at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, USA, 19 January 2020. EPA
Laura Dern in Stella McCartney at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. EPA
Rachel Brosnahan in Stella McCartney at the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 19, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Getty
Patricia Arquette and partner arrive for the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on January 19, 2020. AFP
Sarah Hyland in Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, USA, 19 January 2020. EPA
Molly Sims in bold pink at the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on January 19, 2020. AFP
US actress Alex Borstein at the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on January 19, 2020. AFP
Lisa Edelstein in Christian Pellizzari at the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 19, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. AFP
Storm Reid in Giambattista Valli at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, USA, 19 January 2020. EPA
Nicole Kidman in Michael Kors at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, USA, 19 January 2020. EPA
Sam Rockwell and Leslie Bibb wearing August Getty arrive for the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, USA, 19 January 2020. EPA
Lili Reinhart in Miu Miu at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, USA, 19 January 2020. EPA
Samira Wiley in Adeam at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, USA, 19 January 2020. EPA
Winona Ryder in Christian Dior at the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on January 19, 2020. AFP
Elisabeth Moss in Monique Lhuillier at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, USA, 19 January 2020. EPA
Margaret Qualley in Chanel at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, USA, 19 January 2020. EPA
Sarah Goldberg in Monique Lhuillier at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, USA, 19 January 2020. EPA
Francesca Reale at the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 19, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. EPA
The Baftas
What? The awards presented by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. Founded in 1949.
Where / when? The Royal Albert Hall, London. Usually in February, but this year on Sunday, April 11.
Why should you care?The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is the UK equivalent of the US Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which hands out the Oscars. Like the Oscars, the awards are voted on by the Academy’s members – 6,500 professionals in all areas of the film industry in this case.
Although the event has a strong British focus, with specific awards for British films, directors and new talent, the major categories can usually be taken as a good indicator of what will be picking up Oscars a couple of weeks later.
This year, in common with the other major awards, the event has been moved back, but it still holds its usual slot two weeks prior to the Oscars, and should remain a good barometer of what to expect in Hollywood.
See red-carpet looks from last year's event:
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrive at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards . She's wearing custom Alexander McQueen. Getty Images
Renee Zellweger wears custom Prada to the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AFP
Zoe Kravitz wears custom Saint Laurent to the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Getty Images
Scarlett Johansson wears custom Atelier Versace to the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Florence Pugh arrives wears Dries Van Noten to the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Margot Robbie wears Chanel to the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AFP
Naomie Harris wears custom Michael Kors to the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Emilia Clarke wears Schiaparelli SS20 Couture to the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Rebel Wilson wears Prabal Gurung to the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AFP
Charlize Theron wears custom Christian Dior to the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Naomi Ackie wears Valentino to the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Saoirse Ronan wears custom Gucci to the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AP
Alice Eve wears Ralph & Russo to the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AFP
Vanessa Kirby wears Valentino to the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Gillian Anderson wears Camilla and Marc to the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AFP
Olivia Colman wears custom Alexander McQueen to the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Getty Images
Greta Gerwig wears custom Gucci to the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Song Kang-ho and Bong Joon-ho arrive at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AFP
Daniel Kaluuya arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Taika Waititi arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Robert De Niro arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Adam Driver and Joanne Tucker arrive at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Richard E Grant and his daughter Olivia arrive at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AFP
Gemma Whelan arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Dean-Charles Chapman arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Emma Tillinger Koskoff arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Amber Anderson arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Rooney Mara arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Mark Strong arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AFP
Quentin Tarantino arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Joshua Jackson and Jodie Turner-Smith arrive at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Micheal Ward arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Krysty Wilson-Cairns arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AP
Wallis Day arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Pixie Lott arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Getty Images
Kaitlyn Dever arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Joaquin Phoenix arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AP
Al Pacino arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Charlotte Carroll arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Leigh Gill arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Lily-Rose Depp arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AP
Tatiana Korsakova arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Hugh Grant arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AP
Lady Victoria Hervey arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Asim Chaudhry arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Anjli Mohindra arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Roman Griffin Davis arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Victoria Thomas arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Hildur Guonadottir arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Victoria Silvstedt arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Jessie Buckley arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AFP
Ella Balinska arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Sam Mendes and wife musician Alison Balsom arrive at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AFP
Taron Egerton arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AFP
Arielle Free arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Anthony Welsh arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Getty Images
Graham Norton arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AFP
Tiziana Rocca arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Jessie Buckley arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AP
Antonia Desplat arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Nurce Erben arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Mathias Le Fevre arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Krysty Wilson-Cairns arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Taron Egerton and Emily Thomas arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Pixie Lott and Oliver Cheshire arrive at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Cinderella Balthazar arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Lawrence Sher arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Alexandre Desplat and Dominique Lemonnier arrive at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Niamh Algar arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AFP
Thelma Schoonmaker arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AFP
Hofit Golan arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Reuters
Jo Hartley arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Getty Images
Kellie Shirley arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AFP
British actress Sunetra Sarker arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AFP
Rhoda Ofori-Attah arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AFP
Manjinder Virk arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Saskia Chana arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Tommy Jessop arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. AFP
Jeff Reichert and guest arrive at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. EPA
Television presenter Vick Hope arrives at the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, February 2. Getty Images
Independent Spirit Awards
What?The leading awards for independent cinema outside of the festival circuit. Founded in 1984.
Where / when? Santa Monica Pier. Usually in February, but this year on Thursday, April 22.
Why should you care?The Independent Spirit Awards are voted on by members of Film Independent, the non-profit providing support to independent filmmakers in the US and beyond.
Given the event’s wholehearted dedication to independent cinema, there’s not usually a lot of Oscars crossover, but the Independent Spirit Awards nonetheless attracts plenty of A-listers eager to show their support for the underground scene.
The awards offers some fascinatingly niche trophies, such as the Robert Altman Award for ensemble casts and casting directors, and the Bonnie Award for mid-career female directors.
It’s a healthy art house antidote to the glitz and glam of the other awards, and usually takes place in a tent on the beach the day before the Oscars, although with this year’s frantic rescheduling, it takes place three days prior.
Take a look at the best-dressed attendees from last year's event:
Jennifer Lopez wears Valentino to the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. AFP
Scarlett Johansson in Balmain at the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. AFP
Renee Zellweger in Dior at the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. EPA
Kaitlyn Dever in Valentino at the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. EPA
Margaret Qualley in Chanel at the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. AP
Naomi Watts in Chanel at the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. EPA
Rachel Brosnahan in Brandon Maxwell at the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. EPA
Laura Dern in Valentino at the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. EPA
Joey King in Oscar de la Renta at the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. AFP
Olivia Wilde in Fendi at the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. EPA
Amber Heard in Fendi at the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. AFP
America Ferrera in Self Portrait at the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. AP
Zazie Beetz in Rodarte at the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. AFP
Beanie Feldstein in Markarian at the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. Reuters
Lulu Wang in Prabal Gurung at the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. AFP
Mindy Kaling in Carolina Herrera at the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. AFP
Shia LaBeouf arrives for the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. AFP
Idina Menzel arrives for the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. EPA
Bong Joon-ho arrives for the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. AFP
Elisabeth Moss in Co at the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. Reuters
Octavia Spencer arrives for the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. Reuters
Greta Gerwig in Prada Resort and Noah Baumbach arrive for the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. Reuters
Adam Sandler and Jackie Sandler arrive for the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. AFP
Willem Dafoe and Giada Colagrande arrive for the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. AFP
Waad al-Kateab, Hamza al-Kateab and their children Sama and Taima arrive for the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. Reuters
Alfre Woodard arrives for the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. AFP
Marisa Tomei arrives for the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. EPA
Ray Liotta and Jacy Nittolo arrive for the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. AFP
Merritt Wever arrives for the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. AFP
Aubrey Plaza arrives for the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. AFP
Emily Ratajkowski arrives for the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. AFP
Stephanie Beatriz arrives for the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. AP
Billie Lourd arrives for the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. EPA
Noah Jupe arrives for the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. EPA
Hunter Schafer arrives for the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. EPA
Nick Kroll arrives for the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. AP
Karen Allen arrives for the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. EPA
Taylor Russell arrives for the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards in California on February 8, 2020. AFP
The Academy Awards
What?You probably know this one – it’s better known as the Oscars. Founded in 1929.
Where / when? The Dolby Theatre, Hollywood. Usually in February, but this year on Sunday, April 25.
Why should you care? Well, it’s the biggest, most respected, highest profile movie awards in the world. If you have even a passing interest in film, you might at least take note of what picked up Best Picture each year.
The winners are decided by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ almost 8,500 members from all over the world, and a membership increase of more than a third since 2015 has made the Academy seek to address an imbalance towards white, male voters in the wake of campaigns such as #OscarsSoWhite and #MeToo. Rami Malek and Mohamed Diab were among regional beneficiaries of the recent diversification and now sit on the voting panel.
It remains a mystery why, or exactly when, the Academy Award picked up its “Oscar” nickname, though a number of possible explanations exist in urban legend.
A favourite is that at some point in the 1930s, Hollywood columnist Sidney Skolsky grew tired of writing the cumbersome “The Golden Statue of the Academy” every time he discussed the awards and picked a shorter moniker that gradually entered popular usage.
This seems entirely believable, and was certainly a much-appreciated service
to film journalists of the future.
Take a look through the best-dressed Oscars attendees of all time:
Michelle Williams, in Vera Wang, attends the 78th annual Academy Awards on March 5, 2006. EPA
Mila Kunis, in Elie Saab, attends the 83rd annual Academy Awards on February 27, 2011. EPA
Marion Cotillard, in Jean Paul Gaultier, attends the 80th annual Academy Awards on February 24, 2008. EPA
Audrey Hepburn, in Givenchy, attends the 26th annual Academy Awards on March 25, 1954. Getty Images
Nicole Kidman, in Balenciaga, attends the 79th annual Academy Awards on February 25, 2007. AFP
Julia Roberts, in Valentino, attends the 73rd annual Academy Awards on March 25, 2001. Getty Images
Amy Adams, in Atelier Versace, attends the 91st annual Academy Awards on February 24, 2019. EPA
Amy Adams, in Proenza Schouler, attends the 80th annual Academy Awards on February 24, 2008. EPA
Kate Winslet, in Ben de Lisi, attends the 74th annual Academy Awards on March 24, 2002. FilmMagic
Elizabeth Taylor, in Dior, and Eddie Fisher attend the 33rd annual Academy Awards on April 17, 1961. Getty Images
Hilary Swank, in Guy Larochem attends the 77th annual Academy Awards on February 27, 2005. Getty Images
Reese Witherspoon, in vintage Dior, attends the 78th annual Academy Awards on March 5, 2006. EPA
Penelope Cruz, in Armani, attends the 84th annual Academy Awards on February 26, 2012. EPA
Janelle Monae, in Ralph Lauren, attends the 92nd annual Academy Awards on February 9, 2020. EPA
Viola Davis, in Michael Kors, attends the 90th annual Academy Awards on March 4, 2018. EPA
Natalie Portman, in vintage Dior, attends the 84th annual Academy Awards on February 26, 2012. EPA
Jennifer Lawrence, in Dior, attends the 85th Academy Awards on February 24, 2013. EPA
Lady Gaga, in Brandon Maxwell, attends the 88th annual Academy Awards on February 28, 2016. EPA
Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow, in a sequin slip dress, attend the 68th annual Academy Awards on March 25, 1996. WireImage
Rachel Weisz, in Vera Wang, attends the 79th annual Academy Awards on February 25, 2007. Getty Images
Margot Robbie, in Chanel, attends the 90th annual Academy Awards on March 4, 2018. EPA
Cameron Diaz, in Emanuel Ungaro, attends the 74th annual Academy Awards on March 24, 2002. ImageDirect
Jennifer Lopez, in Valentino, attends the 75th annual Academy Awards on March 23, 2003. Getty Images
Helen Mirren, in Schiaparelli, attends the 91st annual Academy Awards on February 24, 2019. EPA
Halle Berry, in Elie Saab, attends the 74th annual Academy Awards on March 24, 2002. FilmMagic
David Lean and Sophia Loren, in a satin floral dress, attend the 30th annual Academy Awards on March 26, 1958. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the 77th annual Academy Awards on February 27, 2005. Getty Images
Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, in a textured ballgown, attend the 27th annual Academy Awards on March 30, 1955. Getty Images
Grace Kelly, in Edith Head, attends the 27th annual Academy Awards on March 30, 1955. Getty Images
Julianne Moore, in Chanel, attends the 88th annual Academy Awards on February 28, 2016. EPA
Nicole Kidman, in Dior, and Tom Cruise attend the 69th annual Academy Awards on March 24, 1997. WireImage
Naomi Watts, in Versace, attends the 76th Annual Academy Awards on February 29, 2004. EPA
Cate Blanchett, in Givenchy, attends the 83rd annual Academy Awards on February 27, 2011. EPA
Gwyneth Paltrow, in Tom Ford, attends the 84th annual Academy Awards on February 26, 2012. EPA
Lupita Nyong'o, in Prada, attends the 86th annual Academy Awards on March 2, 2014. EPA
Diane Kruger, in Elie Saab, attends the 78th annual Academy Awards on March 5, 2006. EPA
Emma Stone, in Elie Saab, attends the 87th annual Academy Awards on February 22, 2015. EPA
Gemma Chan, in Valentino, attends the 91st annual Academy Awards on February 24, 2019. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Gucci, attends the 76th Annual Academy Awards on February 29, 2004. EPA
Alicia Vikander, in Louis Vuitton, attends the 88th annual Academy Awards on February 28, 2016. EPA
Michelle Williams, in Louis Vuitton, attends the 84th annual Academy Awards on February 26, 2012. EPA
Salma Hayek, in Versace, attends the 78th annual Academy Awards on March 5, 2006. EPA
Maggie Gyllenhaal, in Proenza Schouler, and Peter Sarsgaard attend the 79th annual Academy Awards on February 25, 2007. EPA
Amy Adams, in Oscar de la Renta, attends the 85th Academy Awards on February 24, 2013. EPA
Sandra Bullock, in Marchesa, attends the 82nd annual Academy Awards on March 7, 2010. EPA
Cate Blanchett, in Armani, attends the 86th annual Academy Awards on March 2, 2014. EPA
Julianne Moore, in Chanel, attends the 87th annual Academy Awards on February 22, 2015. EPA
Emily Blunt, in Prada, attends the 88th annual Academy Awards on February 28, 2016. EPA
Jennifer Lawrence, in Dior, attends the 90th annual Academy Awards on March 4, 2018. EPA
Helen Mirren, in Vivienne Westwood, attends the 83rd annual Academy Awards on February 27, 2011. EPA
Anne Hathaway, in Armani, attends the 81st annual Academy Awards on February 22, 2009. EPA
Natalie Portman, in Dior, attends the 92nd annual Academy Awards on February 9, 2020. EPA
Saoirse Ronan, in Calvin Klein, attends the 88th annual Academy Awards on February 28, 2016. EPA
Kate Hudson, in Versace, attends the 86th annual Academy Awards on March 2, 2014. EPA
Penelope Cruz, in Chanel, attends the 80th annual Academy Awards on February 24, 2008. EPA