NBC’s decision not to air the 2022 Golden Globe Awards is a potentially fatal blow to the awards and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which relies heavily on the Globes’ television rights for its funding.
FOLLOWING a series of controversies plaguing the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), NBC Network has announced that it will not air the organization’s 2022 Golden Globe Awards.
In February, the Los Angeles Times published a scathing exposé of the HFPA that revealed large-scale bribery involving the creators of Emily In Paris, one of this year’s more puzzling Globes nominees.
The report also delved into the organization’s marked lack of diversity and representation (as of February 2021, it had zero Black members).
The HFPA board vowed change amid mounting criticism, and on May 3 laid out a broad reform plan – to admit 20 new members in 2021, with a "specific focus" on recruiting Black members – and a stated goal of increasing the membership by 50% in the next 18 months.
The board, which did not give a direct timetable for the group to implement the changes in a letter to members, revealed plans to "review structure of press travel" and "no longer accept promotional items."
“We continue to believe that the HFPA is committed to meaningful reform,” NBC said, touching on the group’s recently announced plans to reform its practices and diversify.
”However, change of this magnitude takes time and work, and we feel strongly that the HFPA needs time to do it right. As such, NBC will not air the 2022 Golden Globes,” the network continued in a statement given to Variety.
“Assuming the organization executes on its plan, we are hopeful we will be in a position to air the show in January 2023.”
NBC is not the only one protesting the HFPA. Netflix, Amazon Studios and WarnerMedia are boycotting the voting body until it makes significant changes.
Actor Tom Cruise also reportedly returned his three Golden Globes trophies to HFPA headquarters, joining a chorus of backlash against the organization and its plans for reform, which some believe won’t lead to meaningful change.
The annual Golden Globes ceremony, attended by A-list stars and industry executives, has become one of the biggest Hollywood awards shows in the run-up to the Oscars.
NBC’s cancellation is a potentially fatal blow to the awards and the organization itself, which relies heavily on the Globes’ television rights for its funding.
The HFPA has yet to issue a response on NBC’s cancellation. (NP)
Tags: #NBC, #GoldenGlobes, #HollywoodForeignPressAssociation