The decision from the Icelandic Film Television Academy ÍKSA was taken early this week, and the one from Filmiaura in Finland yesterday. 

In its official statement ÍKSA said: "Unfortunately, issues have evolved in such a way that it is not considered necessary to celebrate the Edda awards while coronavirus threatens society. It is the unanimous opinion and conclusion of those who manage the ceremony that it should be postponed indefinitely, until things have been clarified and such celebrations can unfold in a responsible way. The 2020 Edda awards ceremony will therefore be postponed indefinitely.”

The Edda nominations announced recently give Hlynur Pálmason’s A White, White Day as clear favourite with 12 nods including Best Film, Director, Screenplay, Actor (Ingvar Sigurðsson). Silje Hauksdóttir’s film Agnes Joy and Nanna Kristín Magnúsdóttir’s TV series Happily, Never After (2020 Nordisk Film & TV Fond Prize nominee) are vying in ten categories.

Nordisk Film & TV Fond is associated to 23 Edda nominations for the films A White, White Day, Echo, The County, Valhalla and The Vasulka Effect.

For the full list of Edda nominations: CLICK HERE.

Meanwhile in Finland, the Finnish association of film professionals Filmiaura said: 
"Filmiaura is serious about coronavirus and has decided to postpone the Jussi Gala for security reasons. Today [Tursday March 12]  the Board of Directors of Filmiaura took this decision unanimously and in good agreement with its partners. The gala was originally supposed to be March 20. The search for a new gala day begins with MTV and other partners. We are closely following the recommendations of the health authorities regarding coronavirus."

The statement continues: "We believe that the transfer of the Jussi gala is the right solution for all the people in the domestic cinema and the gala partners. Voting for Elisa Viihde's favourite movie in Finland will continue as announced."

Jussi contenders for Best Film of the year are Aurora by Miia Tervo, Diva of Finland by Maria Veijalainen, Dogs Don’t Wear Pants by J-P Valkeapää, the anthology film series Force of Habit directed by seven women (Elli Toivoniemi, Kirsikka Saari, Anna Paavilainen, Alli Haapasalo, Reetta Aalto, Jenni Toivoniemi and Miia Tervo), as well as the comedy Perfect Christmas by seasoned director Taru Mäkelä.

Nordisk Film & TV Fond is associated to five Jussi nominations for One Last Deal and Tonislav Hristov’s documentary Magic Lives of V.
For the full list of Jussi nominations: CLICK HERE.