To protect the secrets of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Disney and Lucasfilm made the decision to withhold the film from critics until only a few days before it opened. Consequently, The Force Awakens was shut out of the annual Critics’ Choice Awards because no one had seen the movie in time for the cut off.
However, the Broadcast Film Critics Association has reversed course and added Star Wars: The Force Awakens to its shortlist of nominees for best picture. Apparently, there was “an unprecedented outcry” of members who insisted that they would have included The Force Awakens on their ballots if they had seen the film earlier. The last time that the Critics’ Choice Awards allowed a late entry for best film was in 2000, for Cast Away.
This is the updated list of movies up for the Critics’ Choice Award for best picture:
- The Big Short
- Bridge of Spies
- Brooklyn
- Carol
- Mad Max: Fury Road
- The Martian
- The Revenant
- Room
- Sicario
- Spotlight
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens
There is still a downside for The Force Awakens. This special dispensation only applies to the best picture category. The Force Awakens will not be up for any other categories in the Critics’ Choice Awards. However, The Force Awakens will be eligible for the Academy Awards, and the film is already on the shortlist in the VFX Oscar categories.
T.J. Miller is slated to host the 21st Critics’ Choice Awards on January 17, with a simulcast planned across the A&E networks.
Do you think that Star Wars: The Force Awakens should be eligible for the other Critics’ Choice Awards categories? Share your thoughts! Also be sure to check out our favorite moments from the film below.
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Image Credits:Â Lucasfilm
