Hollywood Critics Association (HCA) breaks into television awards, will split network/cable and streaming content

The Hollywood Critics Association has announced today that they will be expanding their focus from film to also include television moving forward. In addition, the organization revealed that they would be launching a television awards ceremony slated for late summer 2021. An exact date will be announced in early June. This puts the group’s new awards directly in line with Emmy season (September 19) and the Television Critics Association, which is usually held in mid-late summer.

The group is splitting the drama and comedy categories between network and cable shows and streaming content, the first awards show to take this approach. The limited series/TV movie categories will cover all platforms.

“Expanding into the world of television was a topic of discussion within the membership for almost two years now,” notes HCA Chairman Scott Menzel. “The demand for television and streaming content has never been greater and is integral to the future of the entertainment industry. The constant demand for TV and streaming content will only continue in the years to come paving the way for more inclusivity and diverse stories being told across various mediums.” 

The categories for the 1^st Annual HCA TV Awards are: 

• Best Network or Cable Series, Drama
• Best Network or Cable Series, Comedy
• Best Network or Cable Series, Reality, Talk Show or Docuseries

• Best Streaming Series, Drama
• Best Streaming Series, Comedy
• Best Streaming Series, Reality, Talk Show or Docuseries

• Best Limited Series or Television Movie

• Best Actor in a Network or Cable Series, Drama
• Best Actor in a Network or Cable Series, Comedy

• Best Actor in a Streaming Series, Drama
• Best Actor in a Streaming Series, Comedy

• Best Actor in a Limited Series or Television Movie

• Best Actress in a Network or Cable Series, Drama
• Best Actress in a Network or Cable Series, Comedy

• Best Actress in a Streaming Series, Drama
• Best Actress in a Streaming Series, Comedy

• Best Actress in a Limited Series or Television Movie

• Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Drama
• Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Comedy
• Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Television Movie

• Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Drama
• Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Comedy
• Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Television Movie

The application period to become an HCA member is now open and will remain active until April 30, 2021. “While our organization is hoping to keep most of its membership within California, we are willing to expand outside of the state for ideal candidates,” adds HCA Co-Chair Ashley Menzel. “Our initial plan was to keep the organization strictly California-based; however, after multiple members moved during the pandemic, we have decided to expand our membership reach. We are opening our application process to entertainment journalists and critics within the United States but those members will make up no more than 20% of the total HCA membership.”