Discovering America's Film Awards Season: A Guide for Newcomers

Feb 25

Understanding the U.S. film awards season can help new Americans and recent immigrants connect with the country's culture. This time of year highlights America's artistic achievements and influences media, social conversations, and even the economy. Getting involved can make it easier to integrate and find common topics to discuss with others.

What Is the Awards Season?

In the United States, the film awards season runs from November to February. During these months, various events celebrate the best in movies, ending with the Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, in late February or early March. This season is important for the film industry, the media, and audiences across the nation.

The 82nd Golden Globe Awards, held on January 5, 2025, celebrated outstanding achievements in film and television for the year 2024. Comedian Nikki Glaser hosted the event at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.

A Brief History of Major Film Awards

**Academy Awards (Oscars)**

Started in 1929 by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Oscars are the oldest and most respected film awards worldwide. The first ceremony was a private dinner at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

**Golden Globe Awards**

Begun in 1944 by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the Golden Globes honor excellence in both film and television. They are often seen as a preview to the Oscars.

**Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards**

First held in 1995, the SAG Awards recognize outstanding performances in film and TV, with actors voting for their fellow actors.

Why These Awards Matter

Academy Awards (Oscars): Winning an Oscar is considered the highest honor in the film industry, recognizing top achievements in categories like Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress.
Golden Globe Awards: These awards celebrate both American and international films and TV shows, with separate categories for dramas and musicals/comedies.
Screen Actors Guild Awards: Focusing on individual and group performances, the SAG Awards are often good indicators of who might win at the Oscars.

Notable Best Picture Winners

Over the years, several films have stood out by winning the Best Picture Oscar:

"Gone with the Wind" (1939): A historical romance set during the American Civil War.
"The Godfather" (1972): A crime drama about a powerful Italian-American mafia family.
"Schindler's List" (1993): A historical drama depicting the Holocaust.
"Titanic" (1997): A romantic drama set against the backdrop of the infamous ship sinking.
"Parasite" (2019): A South Korean film that became the first non-English language movie to win Best Picture.

Pioneering African American Oscar Winners

The Oscars have seen significant milestones concerning African American actors:

First African American Best Actor Winner: Sidney Poitier won in 1964 for his role in "Lilies of the Field," becoming the first African American male to achieve this honor.

First African American Best Actress Winner: Halle Berry made history in 2002 by winning Best Actress for "Monster's Ball."

As of 2025, six African American actors have won the Best Actor award, and Halle Berry remains the only African American woman to have won Best Actress.

Understanding Major Entertainment Awards

In the U.S., four major awards recognize excellence in different entertainment fields:

Oscars: Honoring achievements in film.
Grammys: Celebrating accomplishments in the music industry.
Emmys: Recognizing excellence in television.
Tonys: Awarding outstanding work in live Broadway theater.

An individual who has won all four awards is said to have achieved an EGOT. As of 2025, 21 entertainers have accomplished this feat, including Whoopi Goldberg and Viola Davis.

Make it stanLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 02: Beyoncé accepts the Best Country Album award for "COWBOY CARTER" onstage during the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards at *Crypto.comArena on February 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California*

How Awards Season Affects Movie Releases

The awards season greatly influences when movies are released:

Timing: Studios often release their best films in the fall and early winter to keep them fresh in the minds of voters and audiences, increasing their chances of getting nominations and awards.
Marketing: Movies aiming for awards receive substantial promotional support, including special advertisements directed at industry professionals.
Theater Showings: Nominated films often stay in theaters longer, allowing more people to see them and boosting ticket sales.

How to Get Involved in Awards Season

Watch Nominated Films: Many nominated movies are available in theaters, on streaming services, or for rent. Watching these films can provide a deeper understanding of American culture and art.
Tune into Award Shows: These events are broadcast live and offer entertainment as well as insights into industry trends.

Details About the 97th Academy Awards

Date and Time: The Oscars will take place on March 2, 2025, starting at 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
Location: The event will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California.
Host: Comedian and TV host Conan O'Brien will host the Oscars for the first time.
How to Watch: The ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC and, for the first time, streamed live on Hulu, making it accessible to a broader audience, including those without traditional cable subscriptions.

Engaging with the awards season offers a glimpse into American culture, values, and the arts, providing shared experiences that can enrich your understanding and appreciation of the country's film contributions.

97th Academy Awards: The countdown has begun for one of the most anticipated nights in Hollywood—the Oscars 2025! But this year, the glitz and glamour of the red carpet will be met with a different kind of tension. With Los Angeles still reeling from the devastating wildfires that have swept through the region, this year’s ceremony is set to take place amid a wave of uncertainty.
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Oscars 2025: Predictions, Surprises, and Showdowns

Can Conclave stop Anora's ascent? Will Brody hold off Chalamet? The 2025 Academy Awards are shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and competitive in years. From dramatic comebacks to shocking snubs, this year’s race has been full of twists and turns, and we’re breaking it all down.

With Anora and Conclave neck-and-neck for Best Picture, and categories like Best Actor and Best Actress still too close to call, the final winners will come down to the wire. Timothée Chalamet’s SAG victory has rattled Adrien Brody’s long-standing frontrunner status, while Demi Moore and Mikey Madison continue to battle it out in the lead-actress category. And let’s not forget the wild card: Emilia Pérez, which has been both celebrated and mired in controversy.

The Big Categories: What to Watch

Best Picture

🏆 Predicted Winner: Anora
For much of the season, no single film stood out as the clear frontrunner. The Brutalist catered to cinephiles, Conclave won over general audiences, and The Substance delivered a bold, unexpected punch. But Anora, the Palme d’Or winner, surged at the last moment, winning both the PGA and DGA awards—historically strong indicators of Oscar success. However, Conclave is making a late push, and this could end up being the tightest Best Picture race in years.

Best Director

🏆 Predicted Winner: Sean Baker (Anora)
It’s a showdown between indie darling Sean Baker and technical craftsman Brady Corbet (The Brutalist). Baker’s DGA win suggests he has the edge, but Corbet’s beautifully shot epic has earned admiration across the industry.

Best Actor

🏆Predicted Winner: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
Chalamet’s SAG win has thrown a wrench in Brody’s dominance, but the latter’s consistent presence throughout the awards season may still carry him across the finish line. However, don’t count out Ralph Fiennes (Conclave) for a last-minute upset.

Best Actress

🏆 Predicted Winner: Demi Moore (The Substance)
This category has been a rollercoaster, with Moore initially leading, Mikey Madison (Anora) gaining traction, and Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here) emerging as a dark horse. With Moore’s SAG win reinforcing her status, she remains the likely winner—but this one is far from locked.

The Supporting Races

Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)—a near lock.
Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez)—despite controversy, she’s won every major precursor.

Screenplay Categories

Best Adapted Screenplay: Conclave—its BAFTA and Critics Choice wins make it the favorite.
Best Original Screenplay: Anora—a likely sweep for Baker’s sharp, unpredictable script.

The Technical Awards: Where Blockbusters Shine

Best Cinematography: The Brutalist—its stunning use of VistaVision could give it the edge.
Best Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two—a likely repeat of the first film’s triumph.
Best Costume Design: Wicked—colorful, elaborate, and deeply tied to the story.

With a mix of high-profile battles and potential last-minute upsets, this year’s Oscars will be a must-watch. Which films will emerge victorious? Cast your own predictions, and stay tuned as we count down to Hollywood’s biggest night!

Yasin Amba

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