By alexpettyfersource 
Empire Awards: The Oscars’ Trendier, Edgier Cousin
When it comes to film awards ceremonies, the Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, are often seen as the pinnacle of recognition in the industry. However, the Empire Awards, dubbed as the Oscars’ trendier, edgier cousin, offer a fresh and alternative perspective on honoring achievements in film.
A Brief History of the Empire Awards
The Empire Awards were first established in 1996 by Empire, a popular British film magazine. Unlike the Oscars, which are voted on by members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Empire Awards are voted on by the magazine’s readers. This means that the winners of the Empire Awards truly reflect the preferences and tastes of film fans around the world.
Over the years, the Empire Awards have gained a reputation for being more casual and relaxed compared to the Oscars. The ceremony is typically held in a more intimate setting, with a focus on celebrating the art of filmmaking without the glitz and glamour often associated with other award shows. This laid-back atmosphere has made the Empire Awards a favorite among both industry insiders and fans alike.
Categories and Winners
One of the standout features of the Empire Awards is its unique categories, which often reflect the magazine’s own quirky sense of humor. In addition to the traditional categories such as Best Actor and Best Actress, the Empire Awards also include categories such as Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film, Best Comedy, and Best Horror. This allows for a diverse range of films to be honored, catering to a wider audience of film enthusiasts.
Over the years, the Empire Awards have recognized a number of critically acclaimed films and performances. Recent winners have included films such as “Get Out,” “The Shape of Water,” and “Joker,” as well as actors like Emma Watson, Tom Hiddleston, and Daisy Ridley. The Empire Awards have also been known to honor cult favorites and indie films that may have been overlooked by other award shows, making it a more inclusive and diverse platform for recognizing talent in the industry.
Impact and Influence
Despite being seen as a more casual and alternative award show, the Empire Awards have had a significant impact on the film industry. Winning an Empire Award can boost a film’s box office performance and increase its visibility among audiences. Additionally, being recognized by the Empire Awards can help to elevate an actor or director’s career, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents to a wider audience.
In recent years, the Empire Awards have also made efforts to champion diversity and inclusion in the industry, with categories such as Best Female Newcomer and Best Male Newcomer recognizing emerging talent from underrepresented communities. This commitment to diversity has helped to distinguish the Empire Awards as a forward-thinking and progressive award show in the industry.
The Future of the Empire Awards
As the Empire Awards continue to grow in popularity and influence, many are excited to see where the future of the ceremony will lead. With a strong focus on celebrating fan-favorite films and performances, the Empire Awards are likely to remain a beloved institution in the film industry for years to come.
In conclusion, the Empire Awards offer a refreshing and alternative perspective on honoring achievements in film. With its unique categories, laid-back atmosphere, and commitment to diversity, the Empire Awards have established themselves as the Oscars’ trendier, edgier cousin. As the ceremony continues to grow in popularity and influence, it will be exciting to see how the Empire Awards shape the future of the film industry.