Is the winner here? Please?

The most frequently repeated phrase during the annual Grammy telecast is “I’d like to thank [God, my producer and/or my family] for this award.”

And during the new, jazzed-up pre-telecast ceremony at which 90% of the awards are distributed?

“[Winner’s name] could not be here; we accept this award on their behalf.”

The Recording Academy took what one nominee called “a giant leap” toward making off-camera nominees feel a bit more special Sunday with a formal ceremony at the Los Angeles Convention Center, adjacent to the Staples Center, where the main action took place shortly afterward.

Unlike previous years, there were presenters, a host (rock guitarist Steve Vai), envelopes for ripping and audience applause for winners.

Still, it seems that the academy’s memo about the new respect afforded the majority of nominees wasn’t widely circulated, as winners in category after category didn’t show up to collect their awards.

Producer Jimmy Jam, presenting awards in several pop categories, quipped, “I hope I don’t strike out like Nile Rodgers” -- a reference to the previous presenter, whose R&B; and rap categories went without a single winner on hand.

Collecting his Grammy for male country vocal, Vince Gill chided the no-shows, saying, “I can’t believe that anyone being nominated for something as special as this would not be here. Hands down I’d rather be in this room with these people and the music they make than in the big room.”

Many did seem to appreciate the academy’s attempt to upgrade the pre-telecast event.

“This is a whole lot better,” said Ry Cooder, who shared the Grammy for pop instrumental with Cuban musician Manuel Galban.

“It used to be a kind of head-’em-up, move-’em-out atmosphere.”

And Tom Bee, one of the nominees in the Native American category, said, “It’s a great leap for mankind.”

But another nominee in the same category disagreed.

“It stinks. There’s no opportunity to get into exchanges or socialize with other people,” said Cree musician Ferlin McGilvrey.

Several attendees lamented the absence of a printed program for the pre-telecast, while others were grateful for the presence of a live band, both in the auditorium during the ceremony and in the lightly populated foyer where some attendees mingled outside.

Another country musician, Ricky Skaggs, picking up an award for best country duo or group, said the academy “has brought dignity and honor back to the pre-telecast awards.”

Next year maybe they’ll have the winners to go with it.