Critics Choice Awards ceremony has been postponed because of Omicron’s concerns

The Critics Choice Association said on Wednesday that their in-person awards night has been postponed due to rising concerns about COVID-19 and the Omicron version.

On Sunday, Jan. 9, hosts Taye Diggs and Nicole Byer were set to present the winners. The event will still be broadcast live in person on The CW and TBS at some time, but not on the originally scheduled day.

“After thoughtful consideration and candid conversations with our partners at The CW and TBS, we have collectively come to the conclusion that the prudent and responsible decision at this point is to postpone the 27th Annual Critics Choice Awards, originally slated for January 9, 2022,” the organisation said in a statement. “We are in regular communication with LA County Public Health officials, and we are currently working diligently to find a new date during the upcoming awards season in which to host our annual gala in-person with everyone’s safety and health remaining our top priority. We will be sharing additional details with our friends and colleagues throughout the entertainment industry as soon as we can.”

The decision is a about-face from the Critics Choice Association’s announcement earlier this week that it would hold an in-person ceremony on January 9 at the Fairmont Century Plaza hotel, with strict Covid measures in place, as instances continue to rise across the country.

“The Critics Choice Association is working with LA County Public Health Officials and a premiere Covid Compliance service, and at this time, we are currently still planning to host an in-person 27th Annual Critics Choice Awards, following the strictest and safest protocols, including mandatory proof of vaccination, negative PCR tests 48 hours in advance, proper social distancing and masking requirements,” the org said in a statement on Monday. “We will continue to carefully monitor the situation as events progress.”

Last year’s Critics Choice Awards were a hybrid event that featured both live and virtual appearances. Taye Diggs, the host, and a few of the presenters aired from a stage in Los Angeles, while nominees appeared from all across the world.

The Critics’ Choice Awards are regarded as a major forerunner to the Academy Awards and one of the first major cinema award events of the year.

Due to escalating COVID-19 instances, the Palm Springs Film Awards have likewise cancelled their forthcoming gala on Jan. 6.

This year’s Critics Choice Awards nominations were headed by Kenneth Branagh’s “Belfast” and Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story.” Best picture and best director nominations went to “West Side Story,” while best supporting actress nominations went to Ariana Debose and Rita Moreno, and newcomer Rachel Zegler is nominated for best young actor or actress.

“West Side Story” also received nominations for script, costume design, production design, editing, and cinematography, as well as nominations for its ensemble. Picture, original screenplay, director, cinematography, editing, and two supporting actor slots for Jamie Dornan and Ciarán Hinds are among the eleven nominations for “Belfast.”

The films “Dune” and “The Power of the Dog” each received ten nominations. “King Richard” and “Don’t Look Up” each received six nominations, while “Licorice Pizza” and “Nightmare Alley” each received eight nominations.

With eight nominations, HBO’s “Succession” third season lead all contenders in Critics Choice TV categories. Another HBO show, “Mare of Easttown,” was also a top candidate, though it is still competing in the limited series category because a potential second season has yet to be confirmed. “Mare” and “Evil,” a drama from Robert and Michelle King that aired on CBS before, each received five nominations. With 20 nominations, HBO is the most nominated network, ahead of Netflix (which scored 18).