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How to Hold an Awards Show in a Pandemic How to Hold an Awards Show in a Pandemic
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LONDON — Dara O’Briain, an Irish comedian, appeared in a tuxedo on a YouTube live stream on Thursday night and announced the start of the 2020 BAFTA Games Awards, celebrating the best video games of the past year.LONDON — Dara O’Briain, an Irish comedian, appeared in a tuxedo on a YouTube live stream on Thursday night and announced the start of the 2020 BAFTA Games Awards, celebrating the best video games of the past year.
“I’ve hosted these awards many times before,” O’Briain said, “usually from some plush concert hall in the middle of London.”“I’ve hosted these awards many times before,” O’Briain said, “usually from some plush concert hall in the middle of London.”
“Not tonight!” he added, with a smile. “Tonight, these awards in their entirety will take place in the room in my house with a big telly in which I play video games.”“Not tonight!” he added, with a smile. “Tonight, these awards in their entirety will take place in the room in my house with a big telly in which I play video games.”
O’Briain then warned that his cat might wander into the shot “every so often.”O’Briain then warned that his cat might wander into the shot “every so often.”
The coronavirus pandemic has led to a host of the world’s biggest award ceremonies being postponed or canceled, with rules on social distancing making it impossible to gather several hundred nominees and guests in a room.The coronavirus pandemic has led to a host of the world’s biggest award ceremonies being postponed or canceled, with rules on social distancing making it impossible to gather several hundred nominees and guests in a room.
In March, both the Tony Awards in the United States and the Oliviers in Britain, major theatrical accolades, were postponed, as were the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Cannes Film Festival.In March, both the Tony Awards in the United States and the Oliviers in Britain, major theatrical accolades, were postponed, as were the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Cannes Film Festival.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts, or BAFTA, canceled the live ceremony for the Games Awards on March 12, almost two weeks before Britain went into wide-scale lockdown. But O’Briain said that he and the academy had immediately started talking about how the event could go ahead in a different form.The British Academy of Film and Television Arts, or BAFTA, canceled the live ceremony for the Games Awards on March 12, almost two weeks before Britain went into wide-scale lockdown. But O’Briain said that he and the academy had immediately started talking about how the event could go ahead in a different form.
“I think it was in the first conversation, I said, ‘Wait, why don’t you just send over the awards logo and I’ll stick it on a screen behind me,’” he recalled in a telephone interview. “I mean, bar a dais, that’s essentially what an awards show looks like.”“I think it was in the first conversation, I said, ‘Wait, why don’t you just send over the awards logo and I’ll stick it on a screen behind me,’” he recalled in a telephone interview. “I mean, bar a dais, that’s essentially what an awards show looks like.”
An idea was quickly developed in which O’Briain would record his segments from home, as if they were happening live. Separately, nominees would record acceptance speeches. The British Academy would then stitch the ceremony together and broadcast it as if live. Nobody — including O’Briain — would know who had won awards until the broadcast.An idea was quickly developed in which O’Briain would record his segments from home, as if they were happening live. Separately, nominees would record acceptance speeches. The British Academy would then stitch the ceremony together and broadcast it as if live. Nobody — including O’Briain — would know who had won awards until the broadcast.
The unusual arrangements weren’t hidden, though. When O’Briain announced the biggest prize of the night — best game, which went to Outer Wilds, in which players try to save a solar system from destruction — the feed cut back to O’Briain.The unusual arrangements weren’t hidden, though. When O’Briain announced the biggest prize of the night — best game, which went to Outer Wilds, in which players try to save a solar system from destruction — the feed cut back to O’Briain.
“Do I agree?” he asked. “I don’t know if I agree,” he said, “because I don’t know who won.”“Do I agree?” he asked. “I don’t know if I agree,” he said, “because I don’t know who won.”
O’Briain recorded all his segments one night last month after his children had gone to bed, he said, going down to the spare room in his London home and setting up a laptop to project the award logo on the screen behind him. He then set up another laptop on a kitchen stool and a pile of books to record himself. It looked “pretty bad” at first, he added, so he used two desk lamps to improve the lighting.O’Briain recorded all his segments one night last month after his children had gone to bed, he said, going down to the spare room in his London home and setting up a laptop to project the award logo on the screen behind him. He then set up another laptop on a kitchen stool and a pile of books to record himself. It looked “pretty bad” at first, he added, so he used two desk lamps to improve the lighting.
“It took about five hours to do the bloody thing,” he said. “There are vloggers who do this all the time,” he added. “I was like some analog comedian from the ’50s trying to do it in a tuxedo.”“It took about five hours to do the bloody thing,” he said. “There are vloggers who do this all the time,” he added. “I was like some analog comedian from the ’50s trying to do it in a tuxedo.”
There was an “after show party,” he added: It involved him transferring all the recordings to BAFTA via a file-sharing website.There was an “after show party,” he added: It involved him transferring all the recordings to BAFTA via a file-sharing website.
It was important the awards went ahead, O’Briain said, to recognize the efforts and achievements of people in the industry through the year. But video-game awards could also provide a huge lift during the lockdown, and recommendations about the best games could be really useful for fans, he added.It was important the awards went ahead, O’Briain said, to recognize the efforts and achievements of people in the industry through the year. But video-game awards could also provide a huge lift during the lockdown, and recommendations about the best games could be really useful for fans, he added.
In a Zoom interview, Helen Hindpere and Aleksander Rostov — two of the team behind Disco Elysium, a game in which players take the role of an amnesiac police officer trying to solve a murder, which was nominated for seven awards — said the experience of recording red carpet interviews and acceptance speeches in advance was bizarre but welcome.In a Zoom interview, Helen Hindpere and Aleksander Rostov — two of the team behind Disco Elysium, a game in which players take the role of an amnesiac police officer trying to solve a murder, which was nominated for seven awards — said the experience of recording red carpet interviews and acceptance speeches in advance was bizarre but welcome.
“I hadn’t seen anyone in days,” Hindpere said of the day that she recorded multiple speeches using the Zoom app. “It was definitely a surreal experience as we all dressed up, the guys wearing their tuxedos, and I was actually wearing my high heels,” she added.“I hadn’t seen anyone in days,” Hindpere said of the day that she recorded multiple speeches using the Zoom app. “It was definitely a surreal experience as we all dressed up, the guys wearing their tuxedos, and I was actually wearing my high heels,” she added.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
The games industry had little problem moving to an online awards show, because most ceremonies are streamed for fans already, Rostov said. But he said he hoped that the unusual format would not be permanent. “Ceremonies are important,” he said. “It’s important for people to get together in the same space to do our weird modern versions of shamanic rituals.”The games industry had little problem moving to an online awards show, because most ceremonies are streamed for fans already, Rostov said. But he said he hoped that the unusual format would not be permanent. “Ceremonies are important,” he said. “It’s important for people to get together in the same space to do our weird modern versions of shamanic rituals.”
On Thursday night, the awards may have had a homemade feel, but they flew by without a hitch. O’Briain made a series of jokes related to the pandemic. “Yes, I am drinking,” he said at one point while holding a pint of cider. “I’m in my own house!” And most acceptance speeches contained a message to fans to “stay safe.”On Thursday night, the awards may have had a homemade feel, but they flew by without a hitch. O’Briain made a series of jokes related to the pandemic. “Yes, I am drinking,” he said at one point while holding a pint of cider. “I’m in my own house!” And most acceptance speeches contained a message to fans to “stay safe.”
Hindpere and Rostov appeared onscreen several times, as Disco Elysium took three prizes, including best debut game and best music. For the music award, members of the band British Sea Power, who wrote the game’s soundtrack, gave an acceptance speech from the Scottish island of Skye, surrounded by sheep.Hindpere and Rostov appeared onscreen several times, as Disco Elysium took three prizes, including best debut game and best music. For the music award, members of the band British Sea Power, who wrote the game’s soundtrack, gave an acceptance speech from the Scottish island of Skye, surrounded by sheep.
The ceremony even contained one genuinely touching moment when O’Briain addressed the several hundred thousand gamers watching live and called on them to introduce games to those struggling to cope with being locked down in the pandemic.The ceremony even contained one genuinely touching moment when O’Briain addressed the several hundred thousand gamers watching live and called on them to introduce games to those struggling to cope with being locked down in the pandemic.
“You’re the experts here,” he said. “Draw them into this world and show them the joy and the human contact that can be got in a virtual world.”“You’re the experts here,” he said. “Draw them into this world and show them the joy and the human contact that can be got in a virtual world.”
“Because for the time being,” he added, “that’s what we’ll have to rely on.”“Because for the time being,” he added, “that’s what we’ll have to rely on.”