Golden Globe awards postponed to February 2021 due to coronavirus

The 78th Golden Globes will be hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. PHOTO: GOLDEN GLOBES/FACEBOOK

LOS ANGELES (REUTERS) - The Golden Globes on Monday (June 22) postponed its 2021 ceremony for film and television, after a two-month delay to the Oscars, in Hollywood's latest awards calendar shuffle caused by the coronavirus epidemic.

The Golden Globes ceremony, which kicks off Hollywood's awards season, will take place on Feb 28 instead of its usual slot on the first Sunday in January, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), which hands out the trophies, said in a statement.

Last week the Oscars, the highest honours in the film industry, were postponed to April 25 from Feb 28.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said the delay would allow filmmakers more time to finish their movies after production was shut down worldwide in mid-March and movie theatres were closed.

The HFPA said it would give details on a new date for Golden Globe nominations and eligibility criteria in the coming weeks.

The Golden Globes, handed out at a boozy dinner in Beverly Hills, will be hosted by comedians Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.

Other award shows, including Britain's Bafta event, have also shifted their dates for 2021 to fall closer to the Oscars.

Hollywood movies and TV shows were given the green light two weeks ago to resume production in the Los Angeles area with detailed guidelines on social distancing and frequent testing.

The three main movie theatre chains have said they plan to reopen in the United States from July 10 with strict social distancing rules and with movie-goers required to wear masks.

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