And the winner is: Americans more prepared for movie awards season than ever before thanks to lockdowns

NEW YORK — While the postponement of movie award shows means that awards season 2021 won’t arrive until the spring, American movie fans might be more prepared than ever for this year’s acceptance speeches. Six in 10 people say staying at home more often during COVID-19 has turned them into “total film buffs.” The new survey finds another 55 percent believe the awards season postponement will actually allow them to see more eligible films than they ever could have before lockdown.

The OnePoll survey of 2,000 Americans, commissioned by Popcorn Board, reveals that 60 percent watched more films in 2020 than in any other year of their lives. Three in 10 plan to break that record in 2021 by watching, on average, 196 films.

Recreating the movie theater experience

virtual movie nightA burgeoning trend has also emerged during quarantine — “virtual movie nights.” Researchers find many Americans are watching films with friends and family while video chatting. The average respondent plans to host eight such events before the winter is over in 2021.

So what’s essential for a good at-home viewing experience? While chocolate (37%) and cozy blankets (46%) were serious contenders, the winner of the award for most popular “movie night must,” was popcorn (51%).

Catching up on the classics

virtual movie night“It’s no surprise that people are turning to virtual movie nights to replicate the sorely missed experiences of sitting in a theater on the edge of your seat, watching a riveting film unfold, or cheering on our favorite actors during awards shows,” says Wendy Boersema Rappel, a spokesperson for the Popcorn Board, in a statement.

Top genres Americans are finding themselves gravitating towards since the start of the pandemic include comedies (40%), action films (40%) and dramas (31%). Additionally, 63 percent of respondents say the pandemic has given them an excuse to watch the “classic” films they’ve always been meaning to see but never did.

“There are few pairings more classic than movies and popcorn,” Rappel adds, “and while movie theaters and awards season are not on the table this winter, popping some popcorn and pulling out all the stops, seasonings and fix-ins for your own personal movie night is a great way to connect with family and friends over your favorite films until it’s safe to do so in person again.”

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