"In recent years, the awards have been under increased scrutiny after canceling its programming in 2020 and 2021 due to allegations of misconduct and abuse against nominated chefs, as well as a lack of nominated and winning Black chefs in the categories. In response, the James Beard Foundation conducted an internal audit to make its voting processes more inclusive and equitable, and returned in 2022."
"The James Beard Foundation Awards announced the line-up of 2026 semifinalists for the restaurant and chef awards categories on Wednesday, January 21. The long list will be trimmed down to nominees on March 31, 2026, before winners are announced on June 15 at the awards ceremony in Chicago. The James Beard Awards, often referred to as "the Oscars of food," are among the most prestigious awards in the food and hospitality industry."
On January 21, 2026 the James Beard Foundation announced semifinalists for multiple restaurant and chef award categories, including Outstanding Chef, Best New Restaurant, and Outstanding Hospitality. The semifinalist list will be narrowed to nominees on March 31, 2026, and winners will be announced June 15 at the Chicago awards ceremony. The awards have faced scrutiny after programming cancellations in 2020–2021 amid misconduct allegations and criticism over a lack of Black nominees and winners; the foundation conducted an internal audit and returned in 2022. Greater Los Angeles produced several 2026 semifinalists across chefs, restaurants, and hospitality operations.
Read at Eater LA
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