This year, the Baeksang Arts Awards will introduce a new musical category. By adding the musical category to the existing categories of television, film, and theater, the awards aim to become a comprehensive arts award that encompasses all stages of popular culture and arts. The introduction of the musical category is particularly significant as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of Korean musicals in 2026.
The overarching theme for this year's ceremony is 'The Stage.' This theme goes beyond the physical 'stage' to include television screens, movie screens, and theater and musical stages, symbolizing the awards' expansion as the 'No.1 Comprehensive Arts Awards.'
Eligible works for consideration include content provided on terrestrial, cable, and OTT platforms, as well as web content, Korean feature films released, and plays and musicals performed between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. Works excluded from last year's consideration due to timing will be eligible this year.
In the television category, only works with a minimum of four episodes or series that have aired at least one-third of their episodes by the end of the eligibility period will be considered. For both television and film categories, the criteria for the New Actor Award include appearing in no more than three leading or supporting roles, regardless of debut year.
The New Director Award in the film category is open to directors who debuted with a feature film during the eligibility period. The 'GUCCI IMPACT AWARD,' now in its fourth year, will focus on 'The Stage of Impact,' recognizing works that highlight societal and personal issues, fostering discourse and expanding audience awareness through social messages.
The theater and musical categories share the same eligibility period. The theater category will present awards for Young Theater, Acting, and the Baeksang Theater Award. The newly introduced musical category will announce winners in three areas: Best Production, Best Creation, and Best Acting, with the acting award being gender-neutral.
To ensure fairness, expertise, and objectivity in the selection of nominees for the television and film categories, a preliminary survey will be conducted among industry experts and professionals from various fields. A panel of 30 will participate in this survey. The results will be considered by the judging panel during the final selection of nominees and winners.
Details on the nominees, award categories, and selection criteria for the '62nd Baeksang Arts Awards with Gucci' will be available on the official Baeksang Arts Awards website and social media channels on April 13.
Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr