2026 Awards Season: Dates Revealed! Biggest Shocks & Surprises Coming?

Alright folks, dust off your tuxedos and polish those acceptance speeches – Awards season is officially upon us! And boy, is it shaping up to be a whirlwind. From the glitz and glamour of the Golden Globes (already in the rearview mirror) to the coveted Oscars, we're about to be inundated with red carpets, heartfelt moments, and maybe even a few unexpected snubs. So, to keep you all on track, I’ve compiled a handy dandy guide to the upcoming key dates.

2026 Awards Season: Dates Revealed! Biggest Shocks...

We’re already knee-deep in January, and the nominations are flying thick and fast. The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) just dropped their nominees on the 8th, recognizing the folks who make movies look so darn beautiful. And the Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE) aren't far behind, announcing their Golden Reel Award nominations on the 12th. Let’s not forget the visual wizards over at the Visual Effects Society (VES), whose nominations landed on the 13th. These awards are crucial, often foreshadowing who’ll be walking away with the big prizes later in the season.

The pace doesn’t let up from there. The ICG Publicists Awards unveiled their motion picture nominees on January 14th, shining a light on the often unsung heroes who work tirelessly to get these films noticed. And on the 27th, the American Cinema Editors (ACE) will be revealing their Eddie Award nominations, honoring the craft of putting these stories together in the editing room. There's even the Artios Awards, celebrating casting directors for their crucial role in building the on-screen magic (date still TBD, so keep an eye out!).

Rounding out the month, the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) will be handing out their awards on the 15th, adding another important perspective to the mix. Seriously, it's non-stop! Now, while all these dates are important, the big one looming on the horizon is, of course, the Academy Awards. Keep in mind that there's been a bit of chatter about a potential conflict between the LA Marathon and the 2026 Oscars, which could throw a wrench into travel plans and red carpet logistics. So stay tuned, folks, because it’s going to be a wild ride! And remember to check back here for the latest updates as the season progresses. I'll be keeping my ear to the ground, so you don’t have to.

This is going to be an exciting season, I can feel it in my bones. The sheer amount of talent on display this year is staggering. Let’s celebrate the hard work, the creativity, and the passion that goes into making these movies that we all love. And maybe, just maybe, we'll even see a few surprises along the way. After all, that's what makes Awards season so much fun, right?