Instead of announcing winners in the chef and restaurant categories the awards program on Sept 25 mostly honored previously announced winners in a few categories then honored nominees.in the remaining categories.
According to JB Foundatios representatives, they hoped to eliminate systemic bias in current and future awards.
Please visit Why we are not announcing remaining award winners.
At a virtual program broadcasted from Chicago on Twitter Sept. 25, 2020, Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach joined the show from the James Beard House kitchen to recognizing the accomplishments of all of the 137 nominees. She also urged everyone to support independent restaurants during a difficult time. “We are not broken,” she said. “The pandemic exposed the fragility of the restaurant industry as it was, but it has also opened the door to what it might become.”
Emceed by Chicago broadcaster Ji Suk Yi, the show’s presenters and program participants joined remotely.
Due to a proposed study of the awards system, the Beard Foundation will not be seeking 2021 nominations.
