The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has failed to reform itself to the satisfaction of Hollywood studios and stakeholders. It has been recently announced that there will be no Golden Globes aired on NBC in 2022. It is still unclear whether the NBC will be paying the HFPA the $60m fee for the 2022 right to air the awards.
Earlier in 2021, we were reminded that Hollywood has continued to reinforce a racially unjust system. Discussions which include the HFPA’s zero-count of black members have seen Hollywood’s top studios and talent express their dissatisfaction with the npo’s lack of diversity. After the murder of George Flots and Breonna Taylor, major corporations and industries have seen an outpouring of support for the black community. A call to action regarding unity and transformation have been initiated from both networks and celebrities alike. Although it has been a year of celebrated work via black creatives, little has changed. Shifting the barriers in relation to pay equity, credit and awards are all an important step in achieving a more encompassing and inclusive society.
Reform
The HFPA has been accused of applying band-aid solutions to real problems which require a more considered and appropriate response. The controversy magnet also found themselves at the centre of bribery allegations earlier in 2021. Due to the nature of HFPA’s npo status and California statutes, there will be more voting and changes submitted over coming months which fall within the organisation’s bylaws. The aim of proposed reforms is to create a more transparent, accountable and diverse organisation in the near future.
“We continue to believe that the HFPA is committed to meaningful reform,” the Comcast-owned network said [this morning]. “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. Assuming the organization executes on its plan, we are hopeful we will be in a position to air the show in January 2023.”
Source: Deadline
The decision to cancel the 2022 Globes was made on Monday. WarnerMedia was joined by Netflix and Amazon in cutting off ties with the HFPA. This is due to a shared lack of confidence in the nonprofit group to enact systemic reform.
NBCUniversal signed a new eight year deal with the HFPA and dick clark productions in 2018. This was to prolong its long term broadcasting of the ceremony until 2026 with the inflated price tag of $60m.
More Inclusive Communities
On May 6, approx. 75 of the HFPA’s 86 members voted for an inclusion and overhaul proposal. Amongst initial discussions, NBC, the longtime broadcaster of the Globes and dcp were both in support of the reform plan.
“Today’s overwhelming vote to reform the Association reaffirms our commitment to change,” Ali Sar, the HFPA president commented after the balloting.
Source: Deadline
The HFPA board will now start the process of seeking out a CEO, a Chief diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer and other administrative execs. This is in addition to seeking out a company to help in establishing a hotline to report conduct violations. A new objective has been put into place which will see the organisation gain 20 new members over the next 12 months. It will also increase the group’s membership by 50% within the next two years. The awards are produced by dick clark productions, who have recently stated that,
“We are pleased to see the members of the HFPA commit to this plan,” a dcp spokesperson told Deadline. “It’s a big step in the right direction as they now turn to taking immediate steps to implement. The external advisors and many advocacy groups who have come to the table for an open dialogue are a vital part of the reimagination of the organization as we all march toward a more inclusive and transparent future.”
Source: Deadline
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