The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) has confirmed their plans to hold the 79th annual Golden Globe Awards, 'with or without a telecast partner.'
The news comes five months after NBC announced it would not air the ceremony, hosted by HFPA, which was exposed for having no Black members among its voting committee of 87 international journalists.
HFPA wants to 'recognize the performances of 2021' and 'celebrate the great work of the industry this past year,' according to Variety.
Airing in January: The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) has confirmed their plans to hold the 79th annual Golden Globe Awards, 'with or without a telecast partner'
The award show is scheduled for the same date as the Critics Choice Awards ceremony on Sunday, January 9, 2022.
In August, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that new bylaws were passed by members to become more inclusive after sparking outrage over alleged unethical behavior and a lack of diversity.
Over the summer, HFPA vowed to boost membership by 50 percent in the next 18 months, and promised to include people of color. They also pledged to hire diversity consultants.
Raising eyebrows: The news comes five months after NBC announced it would not air the ceremony, hosted by HFPA, which was exposed for having no Black members among its voting committee of 87 international journalists; cast of Big Little Lies seen in 2018 at the show
A Los Angeles Times investigation published in February became a catalyst for the backlash against the HFPA, after it accused the organization of racism, sexism, bullying and corruption.
The LA Times said it interviewed more than 50 people - including studio publicists, entertainment executives and seven current and former members - and dug into court filings as well as internal financial documents and communications.
The paper said its investigation 'paints a picture of an embattled organization still struggling to shake its reputation as a group whose awards or nominations can be influenced with expensive junkets and publicity swag.'
The investigation also found that the nonprofit HFPA regularly hands out 'substantial payments' to its members.
And when it was revealed that there was not a single Black person among the 87 members, the backlash was swift.
NBC declared that they will not air the Golden Globes next year, saying they 'feel strongly that the HFPA needs time' to reform.
Trying to do better: HFPA wants to 'recognize the performances of 2021' and 'celebrate the great work of the industry this past year,' according to Variety
Meanwhile, Scarlett Johansson accused the HFPA of tolerating sexism and urged others in the film industry to boycott the organization unless significant internal changes were made.
'As an actor promoting a film, one is expected to participate in awards season by attending press conferences as well as awards shows,' Johansson stated.
'In the past, this has often meant facing sexist questions and remarks by certain HFPA members that bordered on sexual harassment. It is the exact reason why I, for many years, refused to participate in their conferences.'
Coming soon: The award show is scheduled for the same date as the Critics Choice Awards ceremony on Sunday, January 9, 2022
Additionally, Tom Cruise returned his three Golden Globe Awards, while Golden Globe winner Mark Ruffalo also lashed out at the HFPA.
'It's discouraging to see the HFPA, which has gained prominence and profited handsomely from their involvement with filmmakers and actors, resist the change that is being asked of them from many of the groups that have been most disenfranchised by their culture of secrecy and exclusion,' Ruffalo said in a statement to Deadline.
'Now is the time to step up and right the wrongs of the past. Honestly, as a recent winner of a Golden Globe, I cannot feel proud or happy about being a recipient of this award'.
Speaking out: Scarlett Johansson accused the HFPA of tolerating sexism and urged others in the film industry to boycott the organization unless significant internal changes were made; seen last year
Cruise returned his three Golden Globe awards back to the HFPA amid the outcry against the the organization; seen in 2018
Meanwhile, in April, the HFPA expelled Philip Berk, a 44-year member and an eight-term past president, after he emailed an article to his fellow members that described Black Lives Matter as a 'racist hate movement.'
The organization has promised to 'do better' and pledged a raft of reforms.
The night Berk was given the boot, the HFPA issued this statement to the Hollywood Reporter:
'Since its inception, the HFPA has dedicated itself to bridging cultural connections and creating further understanding of different backgrounds through film and TV. The views expressed in the article circulated by Mr. Berk are those of the author of the article and do not — in any way shape or form – reflect the views and values of the HFPA. The HFPA condemns all forms of racism, discrimination and hate speech and finds such language and content unacceptable.'
Post a Comment