Star Wars: The Force Awakens has been nominated for the best picture Critics' Choice Award — eight days after 10 other films received the same honor.

The Broadcast Film Critics Association — through a special vote held by its board of directors "in the wake of an unprecedented outcry" from its members, who were unable to see J.J. Abrams' film prior to casting their nomination ballots — made the decision, which was announced on Tuesday morning.

Only once before had the group granted a late best pic nom: 15 years ago, to Cast Away.

The 21st Critics' Choice Awards, which will air Jan. 17 on the A&E networks, will be the first to include both film and TV categories — 28 and 23, respectively — to be handed out over the course of three hours. T.J. Miller will host the show.