“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, the Critics Choice Awards unfolded as a hybrid show with both in-person and virtual appearances. Host Taye Diggs and some of the presenters broadcast from a stage in Los Angeles, while nominees appeared remotely from various locations around the world.
The Critics Choice Awards is considered a major precursor to the Academy Awards and one of the first major film awards shows of the new year.
The Palm Springs Film Awards has also cancelled its upcoming ceremony for January 6 due to concerns over rising Covid-19 cases.
Kenneth Branagh’s ‘Belfast’ and Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’ led the field for this year’s crop of nominations for the Critics Choice Awards. ‘West Side Story’ landed nods for best picture and best director, while Ariana Debose and Rita Moreno nabbed nominations for best supporting actress and newcomer Rachel Zegler is up for best young actor or actress.
‘West Side Story’ also landed nominations for its ensemble and nods for its screenplay, costume design, production design, editing and cinematography.