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The James Beard Foundation has taken the decision to postpone the annual James Beard Awards to summer 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The James Beard Media Awards (originally scheduled for Friday, April 24, in New York City), the Leadership Awards (Sunday, May 3, in Chicago), and the Restaurant & Chef Awards (Monday, May 4, in Chicago) will all now be postponed until a later date yet to be confirmed.
"The James Beard Foundation is acutely aware of the health and safety concerns surrounding the current COVID-19 pandemic. We are also mindful of how this virus is negatively impacting the hospitality industry at large, both from a well-being and economic standpoint."
"Of prime concern is the health and safety of our staff, volunteers, committee members, sponsors, nominees, and all attendees. We also recognize the responsibility of every organization and individual to do what they can to contain the spread of the virus" the press statement reads.
For now, the nominee announcement remains in place on March 25 from Philadelphia as scheduled.
So far the James Beard Semi-Finalists have been announced as have the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Humanitarian Award and America's Classics.
