“Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens” may have won the hearts of a nation and be poised to set box office records, but one honor is being denied it – end of year awards.
Until now. On Tuesday after polling its members the Broadcast Film Critics Association decided to add the film to its list of best picture nominees, bringing the total to eleven.
The decision is not unprecedented. In 2000 the group similarly added “Cast Away” to its list after it was screened after the nominating deadlines. “Star Wars” is not eligible in any other category.
“Star Wars” was so closely guarded before opening that critics and groups that compile best films of the year lists, were unable to see it before their nominating deadlines.
On a recent junket to interview stars of the film, critics did so without having seen the film itself.
And since there was no screening in Milwaukee, I had to travel to Chicago to see it with a group of about fifty. Had to? Was thrilled to! We checked in, were given wristbands, our phones were bagged and tagged and we were warned that reviews were to be embargoed until 2 a.m. last Wednesday morning.
As my rave review, which was the first in the market at 2:01 a.m., would suggest, it will likely find a spot on my annual top ten. Over the weekend the BFCA, the largest critics group in America, that had released its list of nominations prior to “Star Wars release announced that it was considering amending its list.
In a email sent over the weekend members of the group were asked whether to add the film to its list.
My initial reaction was that Disney and “Star Wars” made their bed and were happy to lie in it and were laughing all the way to the bank. But the BFCA’s phrasing of the question made me think again.
“The question is: If you had seen “The Force Awakens” before casting your Critics’ Choice Awards ballot, would you have included it in your five choices for Best Picture?”
My answer to that was yes. And that’s how I replied.
Go here to see the group’s complete list of nominated films. The award ceremony, hosted by T.J. Miller of “Silicon Valley” and TV spokesman for Smirnoff vodka, will be televised Jan. 17 on A&E, Lifetime and LMN.
(This amended version of a previously posted story reflects the decision to include “Star Wars.”)
Tags: Broadcast Film Critics Association, Star Wars Posted by