The great race

To our readers:

WHO says there are no seasons in Southern California? Let great minds debate whether the Hollywood awards season actually starts in Toronto, Telluride or even Cannes, but this much is clear: We’re in the thick of it.

To mark the occasion, we’re launching a series of special print editions of The Envelope, the Los Angeles Times’ awards website. These sections will draw on the best of our print and online journalism to offer fresh, topical coverage of the season’s films, festivities, personalities and politicking.

Today’s issue sets the stage for the season, with upcoming editions devoted to each of the major creative disciplines. (Next up: a look at crafts and special effects Nov. 8, followed by our animation issue Nov. 15.)

Each edition will offer some surprises, as well as a lineup of regular features, including “The Corner Office,” James Bates’ high-powered chats with Hollywood movers and shakers; Tom O’Neil’s “In Contention” wrap-up; Elizabeth Snead on the red carpet and party scene; news and analysis by entertainment reporter John Horn; Big Picture columnist Patrick Goldstein and the Buzzmeter chart.

In between issues of The Envelope print publications, we hope you’ll turn regularly to The Envelope website at www.TheEnvelope.com for the latest news and features.

Please let us know what you think, at envelopecontent@latimes.com.

And by the way, season’s greetings.

-- The editors