Awards Season Takes Flight

The first months of 2026 bring two of the most glamorous nights in entertainment. On February 28th, the music world descends on Manchester's Co-op Live arena for the Brit Awards, marking the first time in the ceremony's history that it leaves London. Two weeks later, on March 15th, Hollywood's elite gather at the iconic Dolby Theatre for the 98th Academy Awards. Whether you're drawn to the energy of British music's biggest celebration or the timeless elegance of cinema's most prestigious evening, both events offer unparalleled opportunities to experience entertainment royalty at its finest.

Photo Credit: Nikolay Tsuguliev

Since its first ceremony in 1929, the Academy Awards have stood as the pinnacle of cinematic achievement. The 98th edition promises historic moments, with comedian Conan O'Brien returning as host for his second consecutive year after his universally acclaimed 2025 debut. This year introduces the Academy's first new category in over two decades for Best Casting, which acknowledges the essential role casting directors play in bringing films to life. The ceremony will be particularly significant for another reason: Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, has shattered records with 16 nominations, surpassing the previous mark of 14 held by classics like All About Eve, Titanic, and La La Land. The horror film's unprecedented recognition, including nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and both leading and supporting acting categories, represents a watershed moment for genre cinema.

This year's Oscar race showcases exceptional diversity beyond Sinners' dominance. Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another earned 14 nominations, while Chloé Zhao's Hamnet offers a bittersweet exploration of events that inspired Shakespeare's Hamlet. At 30, Timothée Chalamet became the youngest actor to earn three acting nominations since Marlon Brando, while Emma Stone's seventh career nomination by age 37 places her among Oscar history's most recognized talents. The Academy's new rules require all members to watch every nominated film in each category before voting in the final round, with viewing monitored through the Academy Screening Room platform, ensuring recognition stems from genuine appreciation rather than industry politics or campaign spending.

Across the Pond

The Brit Awards represent nearly five decades of celebrating British musical excellence. This year's ceremony marks a milestone by relocating from London's O2 Arena, where it has been held for 15 years, to Manchester's state-of-the-art Co-op Live, Europe's largest indoor arena with a capacity of 23,500. The move honors Manchester's extraordinary musical heritage, from The Smiths and Oasis to Joy Division and Happy Mondays, recognizing the city as the birthplace of countless iconic artists and cultural movements. Olivia Dean and Lola Young lead the 2026 nominations, while Harry Styles has been confirmed as one of the evening's performers. Jack Whitehall returns to host for his sixth time, guiding audiences through an evening celebrating contemporary British music while acknowledging the nation's profound influence on global popular culture.

The 2026 Brit Awards also reflect British music's ongoing evolution. The Critics' Choice Award, formerly the Rising Star Award, has returned to its original name to acknowledge the importance of critical acclaim for emerging artists. Similarly, the British Breakthrough Act replaced Best New Artist, celebrating the transformative moment when British artists reach new heights. Through The BRIT Trust, the ceremony supports worthy causes including the BRIT School in south London and nationwide music therapy charity Nordoff & Robbins, underscoring the Brits' commitment to nurturing future talent while celebrating current achievements.

Both ceremonies present challenges for direct attendance because tickets are limited and typically reserved for industry insiders, nominees, and select media. However, the true luxury lies not in the ceremony itself but in the complete experience: the city, the culture, the parallel events, and the opportunity to move seamlessly between exclusive gatherings. The Academy hosts its Governors Awards and Scientific and Technical Awards as companion events. At the same time, Manchester will feature Brits Week. Brit Week is a series of gigs supporting War Child charity, with performances from artists including Fatboy Slim at Boiler Shop in Newcastle and various acts throughout the United Kingdom leading up to the main event. These auxiliary celebrations transform awards season from single-night spectacles into cultural experiences that span days, offering entry points for those who appreciate excellence in all its forms.

Eating and Sleeping at the Oscars

Where you rest between these experiences matters as much as the events themselves. In Los Angeles, consistently rated the city's number one hotel by Condé Nast Traveler, the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills embodies California luxury, earning a Forbes Five-Star designation for nine consecutive years. Situated between trendsetting West Hollywood and Beverly Hills glamour, the hotel offers 285 rooms and suites, each featuring private balconies overlooking palm trees and succulents. The property's wellness focus includes a resort-style pool, an al fresco fitness center, and a luxurious spa on the fourth floor. At the same time, the renowned Culina Ristorante serves award-winning Italian cuisine, while the Windows Lounge offers craft cocktails and live music. Only ten minutes from the Dolby Theatre, this sanctuary is ideally located for pre-ceremony preparations.

For those who prefer their Hollywood glamour with a side of shopping history, the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, has been the city's preferred address for celebrities, royalty, and the international elite since opening in 1928 at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive. Made famous by Pretty Woman, this Forbes Five-Star property underwent extensive renovations, refreshing its bright, airy suites with soft pastels and contemporary twists on old Hollywood glamour. Many suites offer double-width balconies with incredible views of the Hollywood Hills, while the Mediterranean-style outdoor pool comes complete with Evian spritzes and smoothie service. The hotel's position places Rodeo Drive's designer shopping literally at your doorstep, with premier restaurants like CUT and The BLVD serving exceptional cuisine—a fitting prelude to the city's Michelin-starred dining scene that has recently earned international recognition.

Los Angeles now boasts two three-star Michelin restaurants, underscoring the city's emergence as a world-class culinary destination. Chef Michael Cimarusti's Providence earned the city's first three-star promotion in 2025, cementing Hollywood's gastronomic credibility. At $325 per person for the chef's menu, Providence delivers what many consider the finest seafood experience in North America. Despite its proximity to the Pacific, Cimarusti continually surprises and reinterprets seafood through innovative preparation and thoughtful sourcing. The restaurant's 20-year commitment to sustainability earned it a Green Michelin Star, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and culinary excellence need not conflict. The intimate dining room provides elegant surroundings where every detail receives meticulous attention, from the carefully spaced tables to the impeccable service that anticipates needs without intrusion.

Los Angeles, California skyline. Photo Credit: Kruck20, iStock / Getty Images Plus

West Hollywood's Somni opened in November 2024 and quickly established itself among the nation's elite dining establishments with three Michelin stars. Initially located in Beverly Hills from 2018 to 2020, Somni's contemporary approach combines technical precision with artistic presentation. The tasting menu showcases seasonal ingredients through innovative techniques, with each course demonstrating the kitchen's mastery of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. The intimate space creates an immersive experience in which diners witness the culinary artistry firsthand, making reservations a precious commodity secured months in advance. This recognition places Los Angeles alongside San Francisco as the only California cities with multiple three-star restaurants. Dining experiences that elevate any awards season visit from memorable to transcendent.

Something More Than Awards - LA

Between Michelin-starred dinners and red-carpet moments, Los Angeles offers cultural experiences that justify the journey, independent of any ceremony. Perched high in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Getty Center combines world-class art with breathtaking architecture and gardens. Richard Meier's modernist complex houses European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts spanning centuries, with rotating exhibitions that draw scholars and enthusiasts worldwide. The Central Garden, designed by artist Robert Irwin, provides a living sculpture that changes with seasons, while views stretching from downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean transform the museum visit into a sensory journey through art, architecture, landscape, and light. Admission remains free, though parking reservations are required.

Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles, California. Photo Credit: Tunart, iStock / Getty Images Plus

Then there's Beverly Hills' legendary Rodeo Drive, where the three-block stretch epitomizes luxury retail through flagship stores for Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès. The experience is more than mere shopping. It's an architectural theater where buildings compete for attention through innovative design while maintaining the street's cohesive elegance. Personal shoppers provide white-glove service, often by appointment, ensuring privacy and attention. The surrounding Beverly Hills neighborhood offers architectural gems, including the Greystone Mansion and estates glimpsed behind manicured hedges and gates. The palm-lined streets, manicured sidewalks, and evident security create an environment where luxury feels natural rather than ostentatious, a fitting atmosphere after mornings spent at the Getty contemplating art's capacity to elevate the human experience.

Eating and Sleeping at the Brit Awards

Manchester offers its own distinct luxury, beginning with The Lowry Hotel Manchester, the city's first five-star hotel and most celebrated luxury property. Situated along the River Irwell with 165 rooms including five junior suites, six riverside suites, and Manchester's most enormous presidential suite at 145 square meters, The Lowry understands that modern luxury means wellness access. The hotel's RE: TREAT spa offers Manchester's only sensory deprivation tank alongside cryotherapy and expert therapists, while The River Restaurant, led by Executive Head Chef Peter Buckley and holder of 2 AA Rosettes, redefines city center dining with innovative dishes featuring local ingredients and riverside views. Its location offers easy access to both Manchester's vibrant cultural scene and the Co-op Live arena, making it an ideal base for Brit Awards attendees who appreciate the city's blend of industrial heritage and contemporary sophistication.

The River Irwell passing through Manchester City Center. Photo Credit: SAKhanPhotography, iStock / Getty images Plus

The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel, takes a different approach to five-star luxury, transforming the Grade II*-listed Free Trade Hall through a multi-million-pound redesign into a lifestyle destination. The 263 rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, handcrafted Vispring mattresses, and paraben-free REN toiletries. Peter Street Kitchen serves contemporary Japanese and Mexican small plates, while The Library Champagne Bar offers elegant afternoon tea. An entire floor houses the spa, featuring a 12-meter subterranean pool, sauna, steam room, relaxation lounge, and treatments using luxury Omorovicza products inspired by Budapest's healing waters. Located near the Spinningfields business district and Deansgate's shopping and nightlife, the hotel sits just minutes from Co-op Live, close enough to arrive refreshed yet distant enough to maintain tranquility.

Manchester's culinary scene has matured dramatically in recent years, as evidenced by Simon Martin's Mana breaking the city's 40-year Michelin star drought. The Ancoats restaurant established Manchester's modern fine-dining credentials with 12- and 16-course British-meets-Nordic tasting menus that demonstrate profound technical skill while maintaining approachability. Running entirely on electricity from renewable resources with near-zero paper use, Mana exemplifies sustainable fine dining. The restaurant collaborates closely with farmers and fishermen, ensuring 93% of protein comes from British sources. Past highlights have included N25 caviar with duck liver and chamomile, Scottish langoustine with cured egg yolks, and innovative vegetable preparations that rival protein-focused dishes. The modern, sophisticated interior complements rather than distracts from the food, creating an environment where culinary excellence takes center stage.

Illuminated Footbridge in Salford Quays, Manchester, ENgland. Photo Credit: Chunyip Wong, IStock / Getty Images Plus

Skof announced Manchester's Michelin arrival with even more authority, earning its star less than a year after opening. Located in the NOMA district within the historic Hanover building, chef Tom Barnes's intimate 36-cover space features bold colors and steel columns that blend modern aesthetic with industrial heritage. Barnes trained under Simon Rogan at the three-star L'Enclume, and his refined yet unpretentious approach demonstrates that pedigree perfectly. Four-course lunches at £50 provide accessible entry to Michelin-level dining, while evening tasting menus at £120 or £165 showcase Barnes's complete vision through glazed langoustines on grilled sourdough, heritage beef short rib, and steamed West coast cod. Each dish displays impeccable technique in service of flavor rather than showmanship. This philosophy resonates with Manchester's straightforward sensibility and provides the ideal culinary complement to the city's musical heritage.

Something More Than Awards - Manchester

Between Michelin meals and Brit Awards preparation, Manchester rewards exploration. One of the finest examples of Victorian Gothic architecture in the United Kingdom, the John Rylands Library houses exceptional collections of rare books and manuscripts within walls that serve as a cathedral to knowledge. Built between 1890 and 1899 as a memorial to textile merchant John Rylands, the reading room's soaring arches, ornate stonework, and filtered light create an atmosphere of scholarly reverence. Collections include medieval manuscripts, early printed books, and archives documenting British history and literature. The building underwent extensive restoration and reopened with improved facilities while maintaining its historical integrity, offering quiet contemplation that contrasts beautifully with Manchester's generally energetic atmosphere.

John Rylands Library, Manchester, England. Photo Credit: Liujunrong, iStock / Getty Images Plus

That energy pulses strongest in the Northern Quarter, Manchester's creative heartbeat, where independent boutiques, vintage shops, record stores, street art, and cafes fill former textile warehouses now housing galleries, studios, and workspace for the city's creative class. Afflecks Palace, a multi-story emporium, contains dozens of independent retailers selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade jewelry. The area's pubs and music venues continue Manchester's tradition of nurturing emerging talent. Bands that later achieved global recognition first played these intimate rooms. The district's aesthetic of exposed brick, street art, and independent spirit embodies Manchester's reputation for cultural authenticity over commercial polish, making it the perfect counterpoint to the John Rylands Library's Victorian grandeur and an essential stop for anyone seeking to understand why the Brit Awards chose Manchester for its historic relocation.

Time to Fly

The 2026 Oscars and Brit Awards represent cultural landmarks where talent, achievement, and celebration converge. From Los Angeles's sun-soaked boulevards to Manchester's rain-slicked streets, from Michelin-starred innovation to architectural grandeur, these cities welcome visitors who appreciate excellence in all its forms. The real magic happens in the margins among the conversations, the discoveries, and the moments between the spotlight and the shadow, where authentic experience lives.

For discerning travelers seeking seamless access to these unprecedented celebrations, Air Charter Guide connects clients with charter operators delivering direct service to Los Angeles International Airport and Manchester Airport, ensuring arrival on your schedule. The journey to awards season's defining moments should match the destinations.