Releasing films before major festivals or during awards season can heighten relevance for critics, guilds, and awards voters.
Major Awards & Festivals for Film & Television
Golden Globe Awards
The Golden Globes honor excellence in both film and television internationally. Organized by industry press associations, they are known for spotlighting achievements shortly before the Oscars season and covering wider categories, including TV series.
Typical month: January
Independent Spirit Awards
Honoring independent film achievements—often works outside mainstream studio releases—these awards gather attention for films with creativity and smaller budgets.
Typical month: February
BAFTA Awards
The British Academy Film Awards recognize outstanding achievement in film, both internationally and in British cinema. They are often seen as a key precursor to the Oscars.
Typical month: February
Actor Awards (formerly SAG Awards)
Presented by SAG-AFTRA, these awards spotlight outstanding performances in film and television. They’re closely watched as industry indicators ahead of the Oscars and Emmys.
Typical month: Late February / early March
The Oscars (formally the Academy Awards)
Among the most prestigious honors in cinema are, recognizing excellence across numerous categories, including Best Picture, Director, and acting awards. They celebrate film work from the prior calendar year.
Typical month: March (first quarter)
Major Film Festivals (premieres & Early exposure)
These festivals don’t themselves award the Oscars or Emmys, but they are major launchpads for films, often influencing critical buzz, distribution deals, and festival awards that can help qualify films for larger awards.
Sundance Film Festival
A major U.S. festival known for spotlighting independent cinema and documentary premieres.
Typical month: January
Cannes Film Festival
One of the world’s most prestigious festivals, featuring global premieres and competitive awards (e.g., Palme d’Or).
Typical month: May
Venice Film Festival
The oldest film festival in the world, showcasing international cinema with awards like the Golden Lion.
Typical month: Late August / Early September
Telluride Film Festival
Known for early presentations of films that go on to receive awards attention, presented unannounced to avoid competitive pressure.
Typical month: Early September
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
A commercially influential festival where audience awards often predict later awards-season momentum.
Typical month: September
Television & Other Timing Considerations
People’s Choice Awards
A fan-voted event recognizing achievements in film, TV, and digital content, often reflecting popular sentiment rather than industry voting blocs.
Typical month: January
Critics’ Choice & Guild Awards
Throughout awards season (January–March), critics’ awards, Directors Guild (DGA), Writers Guild (WGA), Producers Guild (PGA), and Critics’ Choice Awards take place, often shaping narrative momentum and visibility.
Typical months: January–March
Primetime Emmy Awards
The Emmys celebrate excellence in television, with eligibility determined by specific broadcast windows. Timing can vary and is often late summer or early fall—critical for TV release planning.
Typical month: September
Why This Matters for Releases & Licensing
- Eligibility windows: Most major awards require films to be released within a specific timeframe to qualify (e.g., Oscars generally require a qualifying run before year’s end or specific festival appearances). Festival premieres can help meet eligibility or raise profile prior to wider release.
- Strategic timing: Releasing before major festivals or during awards season can heighten relevance for critics, guilds, and awards voters—potentially increasing visibility for licensing or distribution conversations.
- TV & streaming: Awards like Emmys and Golden Globes incorporate television and streaming categories, requiring awareness of broadcast windows and submission calendars.
Major Annual Film & Television Events
| Month | Event | Eligibility Deadline (Typical) | Typical Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Sundance Film Festival | Submission deadlines vary (prior fall) | Park City, Utah |
| Golden Globe Awards | Film/TV releases by late previous year | Beverly Hills, CA | |
| People’s Choice Awards | Popular releases during the prior year | Los Angeles, CA | |
| February | BAFTA Film Awards | UK theatrical release by year-end | London, UK |
| Independent Spirit Awards | U.S. theatrical release by year-end | Santa Monica, CA | |
| Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards | Film/TV releases by year-end | Los Angeles, CA | |
| March | Academy Awards (Oscars) | Qualifying theatrical run by Dec 31 | Los Angeles, CA |
| May | Cannes Film Festival | Festival selection; no Oscar eligibility required | Cannes, France |
| June | (Often quieter for awards) | — | — |
| July | (Mid-year festival circuit) | — | — |
| August | Venice Film Festival | Festival selection | Venice, Italy |
| September | Telluride Film Festival | Festival selection | Telluride, Colorado |
| Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) | Festival selection | Toronto, Canada | |
| Primetime Emmy Awards | TV air dates within the eligibility window | Los Angeles, CA | |
| October | (Campaign season begins) | — | — |
| November | (Awards-qualifying releases) | Final Oscar-qualifying runs | U.S. theaters |
| December | (Oscar qualification cutoff) | Dec 31 theatrical cutoff | — |
Awards Season Rhythm (High-Level)
- Jan–Mar: Core awards season—Golden Globes, BAFTAs, Critics’ Choice, SAG/Actor Awards, Oscars
- Jan–Feb: Sundance and other early festivals
- May: Cannes premieres and competition
- Late Aug–Sep: Venice, Telluride, TIFF—festival exposure before awards campaigns
- Sep: Primetime Emmys (TV focus)
