Oscars statuettes.Photo: ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images
The 12th Governors Awards have been postponed due to a new surge incoronaviruscases.
On Wednesday, theAcademy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciencesannounced that the annual awards ceremony will no longer take place in person on Jan. 15.
“We have made the difficult decision to change our plans in hosting the Governors Awards in person on January 15,” the Academy said in a statement, perDeadline. “Given the uncertainties around the variants, and the impact this could have on our community, we feel this is the best and safest decision for our honorees and guests. Rescheduled plans will come at a later date as we continue to prioritize the health and wellbeing of all those involved.”
A new date for the awards has not yet been announced.
Marcus Ingram/Getty Images; Kevin Winter/Getty Images
The Governors Awards were set to celebrateSamuel L. Jackson, Elaine May and Liv Ullmann with honorary Oscars, and laudDanny Gloverwith the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
Charley Gallay/Getty Images; FREDRIK HAGEN/AFP via Getty Images
The Honorary Award, which the actors are receiving, is awarded to celebrate extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to motion picture arts and sciences, or for outstanding service to the Academy. The Humanitarian Award (also an Oscar statuette) honors individuals whose humanitarian work has credited the larger industry.
The 2022 Critics Choice Awards, which was set to take place Jan. 9, wasalso postponedWednesday due to COVID and the growing presence of theOmicron variant.
The CDC recently expanded its vaccine booster recommendations for those in the U.S. following thearrival of the Omicron variantin North America.
The spread of the variant “further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19,” the CDC said on abooster shot info page. “Early data from South Africa suggest increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant, and scientists in the United States and around the world are urgently examining vaccine effectiveness related to this variant.”
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source: people.com
