The 2026 awards season is shaping up to be a thrilling ride through the worlds of film, television, music, and theater. With a plethora of prestigious events on the horizon, it’s time to mark your calendars and get ready for a year of celebration and recognition. This guide will walk you through the key dates and ceremonies that you won’t want to miss.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a industry insider, staying informed about the upcoming awards-related activities is crucial. From the glitz and glamour of the red carpet to the behind-the-scenes voting processes, every moment counts. Let’s dive into the month-by-month breakdown of what’s in store.
The Summer Kickoff: July and August
The summer months set the stage for the awards season with a series of high-profile events. In July 2026 the 57th San Diego Comic-Con takes center stage from the 23rd to the 26th. This iconic event is a must-attend for fans of comic books, movies, and television shows, offering a sneak peek into upcoming projects and exclusive content.
August brings a flurry of activity with the 79th Locarno Film Festival from the 5th to the 15th, and the 6th Critics Choice Super Awards on the 6th. The 2nd Televerse Festival runs from the 14th to the 16th, showcasing the best in television and digital content. Additionally, the 17th Dorian TV Awards announcement and the 10th Black Reel TV Awards on the 17th add to the excitement.
The Fall Festival Season: September and October
As the leaves begin to change, the fall festival season kicks into high gear. The 83rd Venice International Film Festival starts on September 2nd, followed by the 53rd Telluride Film Festival from the 4th to the 7th. The Creative Arts Emmys Awards take place on the 5th and 6th, leading up to the main event—the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on the 14th.
The 51st Toronto International Film Festival begins on September 10th, with the 74th San Sebastian International Film Festival starting on the 18th. October continues the momentum with the 49th Mill Valley Film Festival from the 1st to the 11th and the 34th Hamptons International Film Festival from the 2nd to the 12th. The 70th BFI London Film Festival runs from the 7th to the 18th, while the 27th Newport Beach Film Festival and the 14th Middleburg Film Festival take place from the 15th to the 18th.
The Winter Showdown: November and December
The winter months bring a flurry of award nominations and ceremonies. In November 2026 the 34th Camerimage International Film Festival begins on the 7th, followed by the 17th DOC NYC on the 11th and the 39th International Documentary Film Festival on the 12th. The 17th Governors Awards ceremony takes place on the 15th, and the 68th Grammy Awards nominations are announced on the 16th.
December marks the beginning of the end for the awards season, with the 32nd Critics Choice Awards nominations announced on the 4th and the 84th Golden Globe Awards nominations on the 7th. The 8th Society of Composers and Lyricists Awards nominations are announced on the 16th, leading up to the 32nd Critics Choice Awards ceremony on January 3rd, 2027.
The 92nd New York Film Critics Circle Awards ceremony takes place on January 5th, followed by the 79th Directors Guild of America Awards TV and commercials nominations announcement on the 6th. The 38th Palm Springs International Film Festival begins on the 7th, with the AFI Awards luncheon on the 8th. The 84th Golden Globe Awards ceremony is held on the 10th, and the 99th Academy Awards nominations voting begins on the 11th.
The 98th National Board of Review Awards ceremony takes place on the 12th, with the 99th Academy Awards nominations voting ending on the 15th. The 99th Academy Awards nominations are announced on the 21st, coinciding with the start of the 43rd Sundance Film Festival on the same day. The festival runs until January 31st, culminating in the 79th Directors Guild of America Awards ceremony on the 30th.
As the awards season reaches its climax, the 42nd Santa Barbara International Film Festival begins on February 3rd, 2027, followed by the 8th Society of Composers and Lyricists Awards ceremony on the 4th. The 77th American Cinema Editors’ Eddie Awards ceremony takes place on the 6th, with the 68th Grammy Awards ceremony on the 7th. The 77th Berlin International Film Festival runs from the 10th to the 21st, leading up to the 99th Academy Awards final voting on the 25th.
The season concludes with the 38th Producers Guild of America’s PGA Awards ceremony on the 27th, followed by the 31st Art Directors ceremony on the same day. The 99th Academy Awards ceremony, the pinnacle of the awards season, takes place on February 28th, 2027.
