The phrase "awards race" refers to a competitive situation in which individuals or works are vying for recognition and accolades from various award ceremonies. It is a race to see who will win or be nominated for prestigious awards. Full definition
That's the most interesting award race by far. (sbnation.com)
Ironically, this year seems to have an abundance of them, making for a potentially interesting Academy Awards race when all is said and done. (hollywoodnews.com)
Get Out is the year's surprising success story, and by most accepted wisdom it never should have made it into the year - end awards race. (vox.com)