As 2024 draws to a close, the film industry is gearing up for an intense and eventful January. Despite appearances of calm, several major events are set to unfold in quick succession. The Palm Springs International Film Festival's awards gala will kick things off on January 3rd, followed by the Golden Globe Awards ceremony on January 5th. Meanwhile, the National Board of Review will present its prizes in New York on January 7th. Just days later, Oscar nomination voting begins on January 8th. These events come on the heels of recent developments, including the Academy's shortlist announcements and notable box office performances over the Christmas break.

January Kicks Off with Prestigious Film Events

The start of January marks the beginning of a series of high-profile events in the film industry. The Palm Springs International Film Festival will host its awards gala in the desert on January 3rd, celebrating outstanding contributions to cinema. This prestigious event sets the tone for the month ahead, highlighting both established and emerging talent. Following closely, the Golden Globe Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on January 5th will honor achievements across film and television. Additionally, the National Board of Review will gather in New York on January 7th to bestow its accolades, further intensifying the competitive spirit within the industry.

These events not only recognize excellence but also serve as key indicators of what’s to come during the awards season. The Palm Springs gala, known for its star-studded red carpet and heartfelt speeches, has become a must-attend event for actors, directors, and producers. The Golden Globes, often seen as a precursor to the Oscars, will provide valuable insights into potential nominees. Meanwhile, the National Board of Review's selections have historically influenced voter perceptions, adding another layer of anticipation to the upcoming months.

Oscar Nominations Loom Large on the Horizon

With just 62 days remaining until the 97th Academy Awards, the race for nominations is heating up. Voting for the Oscars will commence on January 8th, running through January 12th. The Academy has already revealed its shortlists for 10 categories, with Netflix’s Emilia Pérez leading the pack with six mentions. However, one of the shortlisted original songs, “Forbidden Road” from Paramount’s Better Man, has been disqualified, adding an unexpected twist to the proceedings. The disqualification underscores the rigorous standards upheld by the Academy, ensuring only the most deserving works receive recognition.

Beyond the shortlists, other notable events include the Annie Awards nominations, where Universal’s The Wild Robot led the field, and the Society of Composers & Lyricists Awards, where Emilia Pérez’s composing and songwriting team received multiple nods. Box office performances over the Christmas break also provided a boost to films like Focus’ Nosferatu, Searchlight’s A Complete Unknown, and A24’s The Brutalist. As the industry braces for the final stretch, all eyes will be on how these films and their creators fare in the upcoming awards ceremonies. With so much at stake, it promises to be an exhilarating few weeks leading up to the Oscars.