Are awards shows nominees and winners based on favoritism and industry elitism?

The claim that awards show nominees and winners are based on favoritism and industry elitism is a common criticism, but evidence supporting this is largely anecdotal. While some argue that industry connections and politics can influence outcomes, awards like the Critics Choice are determined by voting bodies such as the Critics Choice Association, which is not an industry group Hollywood Reporter, Variety. However, the perception of favoritism persists, partly due to the visibility of certain nominees and winners who are already well-established in the industry.