The Golden Globes, amidst a transformative phase with new ownership and a shift in its broadcasting network, are poised for a pivotal renaissance as they announce this year’s film and television nominations.
This change comes as the awards endeavor to distance themselves from past controversies and re-establish their standing as the lively and star-studded commencement of Hollywood’s awards season. Critics, however, caution that the latest reforms might introduce fresh ethical dilemmas.
Historically, the Globes were governed and voted upon by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), a diverse cohort of approximately 100 international entertainment journalists. This group faced industry criticism for perceived amateurism and obscurity, a sentiment that intensified following a 2021 Los Angeles Times exposé highlighting the absence of Black members within the HFPA, resulting in a significant Hollywood backlash.
In a bid to salvage its reputation, the Globes underwent major changes in June. The awards were acquired by private investors, including American billionaire Todd Boehly. The HFPA was disbanded, and a comprehensive plan was devised to rejuvenate the Globes’ image. As part of the transition, former HFPA members transitioned to salaried positions within the new Golden Globes entity, tasked with viewing films, voting and contributing to the awards’ website, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.
Complicating matters, Penske Media, part of the awards’ new ownership and responsible for producing the Globes telecast, also oversees trade outlets Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. Furthermore, Eldridge, another owner, holds a stake in a film studio and frequent Globes contender A24. This intertwining of interests has sparked concerns, as noted in a Los Angeles Times editorial, about the impartiality of the voting process and the potential influence of company executives on nominations.
Defending these changes, the new owners emphasize that the reforms, including a $75,000 salary for the voters, rectify a system where financially strapped journalists often relied on studio-sponsored trips and gifts. To enhance credibility and diversity, the organization has incorporated over 200 international, non-member voters and established a board with respected industry figures, including former Variety editor-in-chief Tim Gray.
The revamped Golden Globes ceremony is scheduled for January 7, with CBS broadcasting the event in a prime post-NFL time slot. This represents a strategic move by CBS, aiming to bolster viewership following 2023’s record low ratings. The 2023 Globes had attracted a mere 6.3 million viewers, a stark contrast to the 18 million viewers in 2020. The presence of industry luminaries like Steven Spielberg and Eddie Murphy at the recent gala offers a glimmer of hope for the event’s rejuvenation.
Nominees for the 81st Golden Globes will be announced by Cedric The Entertainer and Wilmer Valderrama on “CBS Mornings.” Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer and the much-talked-about Barbie are anticipated to be among the top contenders. New categories for “best cinematic or box office achievement” and “best stand-up comedian” have been introduced, likely featuring stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Emma Stone, Robert Downey Jr. and Ryan Gosling. The organizers are eager to see these high-profile nominees grace the event, signaling a new era for the Golden Globes.
With AFP
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