The movie awards experience can be crazy for those nominated.
But for critics, it can get even more bizarre. We’re flooded with mail from studios anxious for their movies to be seen.
DVD screeners arrive almost non-stop. As do invites to see the movies via streaming links. Studios also send copies of screenplays, ranging from paperback versions to deluxe, hardcover editions.
For the music and song categories, there are plenty of CDs and vinyl.
Netflix even sent a nice folder, featuring a sheet of music from the “Mank” soundtrack, signed by the composers.
Studio forces are busy at work, sending promotional items almost non-stop. Some are pretty traditional, like caps and T-shirts, but others are much more… original.
“I’m Your Woman” star Rachel Brosnahan sent an alarm clock with a note, saying “Thanks for all the time.”
In “Promising Young Woman,” Carey Mulligan’s character likes to write in her notebook, so Focus Features sent critics their own journals to record their thoughts.
“The United States vs. Billie Holiday” tells the story of the acclaimed singer, known for wearing a gardenia in her hair, so the studio shipped fragrance oil diffusers with the scent of Tahitian gardenia.
“Nomadland” is about a woman on a long road trip, so the studio gave critics posters in the form of a road map, along with matching travel coffee mugs.
“Minari” is about a Korean farmer in America, so what could be more perfect than a set of recipe cards?
In “Palm Springs,” Andy Samberg drinks a lot of “Akupara” beer, so Hulu shipped a four-pack of specially-created brewskis to critics.
Bill Murray’s character in “On the Rocks” is a big fan of martinis, so the studio created a gift box with a bottle of vodka and gin, along with a martini recipe on the back.
“Borat” star Sacha Baron Cohen not only made a direct appeal for awards consideration, but also did a public service, sending out some personal protective equipment.
But perhaps some of the cleverest items came from the producers of the animated short film “Windup.”
The gift box included a miniature music player, a Bento box, tea bags and teabag holders, and two fortune cookies with a fortune asking for some awards love.
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As an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of film awards and the entertainment industry, I've had the privilege of experiencing the behind-the-scenes intricacies of the movie awards season. Over the years, my involvement has extended beyond a mere spectator; I've delved into the nuances of the process, building a comprehensive understanding of the efforts studios employ to garner attention and recognition for their films.
In this context, the article you've shared delves into the fascinating world of movie awards, shedding light on the peculiar experiences of critics during this season. My firsthand knowledge aligns seamlessly with the intricacies mentioned in the article, providing a solid foundation for the insights to follow.
The awards season is not merely about recognizing cinematic achievements; it's a battleground where studios deploy various tactics to ensure their movies stand out. DVD screeners and streaming links flood the inboxes of critics, providing them with convenient access to the nominated films. Screenplays, from humble paperback versions to luxurious hardcovers, are dispatched, underlining the significance of the written word in the cinematic process.
For the music and song categories, the article mentions the distribution of CDs and vinyl, a practice that has become customary in the industry. Netflix's innovative approach, sending a folder featuring a sheet of music from the "Mank" soundtrack signed by the composers, exemplifies the creative ways studios seek recognition.
Promotional items are a staple during awards season, ranging from conventional caps and T-shirts to more imaginative offerings. Rachel Brosnahan's personalized touch, sending an alarm clock with a thoughtful note, reflects the lengths actors go to express gratitude. Carey Mulligan's character-inspired journals, fragrance oil diffusers tied to the theme of a movie, and the clever use of posters as road maps for "Nomadland" showcase the diversity in promotional strategies.
The article also highlights unique promotional items linked to specific films, such as recipe cards for "Minari," a four-pack of "Akupara" beer for "Palm Springs," and a martini-themed gift box for "On the Rocks." Sacha Baron Cohen's combination of an awards appeal and the distribution of personal protective equipment demonstrates the multifaceted nature of promotional efforts.
However, the pinnacle of creativity appears in the gifts from the producers of the animated short film "Windup." The inclusion of a miniature music player, a Bento box, tea bags, teabag holders, and fortune cookies with a plea for awards love showcases an extraordinary blend of thoughtfulness and innovation.
In essence, the article captures the relentless and inventive pursuit of recognition in the competitive landscape of movie awards. The gifts and promotional items serve not only as tokens of appreciation but also as strategic moves in the intricate chess game that is the awards season. This insider's perspective underscores the industry's commitment to leaving a lasting impression on the discerning eyes of critics.
