Sorry I couldn't be there for the awards tonight but . . .

[Uzoma]

This might seem a silly question but please bear with me - when people are about to receive music or film awards, they seem to be really surprised when they receive the award but if they can't make it there's a speech on video already prepared. That means that for some awards, the recipients must know in advance right? I hope that makes sense - someone in the know please help me out. Thanks.

[ICEMANSAV]

Good question, maybe all the people nominated if they are not going to be present have to make an acceptance speech just in case. However you are probably correct by saying they know anyway!!

[jenky]

Maybe.... They send out invites to all the nominees, and if one of the winners can't come, then the organisers would have to spoil the surprise and get them to record an acceptance speech.

[jayarnold]

I beleive they are all told before hand so they can plan a speech etc....I'm very synical of the whole industry anyway but it wouldnt surprise me if all the contendors knew way before the event.

[Casey]

I agree with jenky, that if the tv people know who cannot make it to the awards ceremony then they tell the winner before hand and do a private recording of them. As for everyone else knowing I am pretty sure they don't as some of them well mess up their speeches!

[georgit79]

I'm with Casey- it can't be planned in advance. Do you seriously think Gwyneth would have done that on purpose? Come to think of it...

[natalie_1982]

Also, I'm sure a lot more celeb's wouldn't bother turning up to do's if they knew they weren't winning anything.

[maxi29]

Or they could all be told to have a speech (or video) prepared in case they win. I can't speak for the Oscars but I've been involved in several small scale awards and it is completely unknown for the winners to be told that they have won.

Natalie, these evenings are always attended by people who aren't on the list of nominees. They are the places to be seen; being on the list doesn't really come into it.

[lloydey7]

in the industry 90% of award shows pre inform thier winners, only oscars and a few others are genuinnly a surprise