Is Golden Globes canceled? NBC will not telecast 2022 award show as HFPA draws ire over 'lack of diversity'
NBC announced on Monday that it would not broadcast the HFPA's Golden Globe Awards ceremony in 2022, adding to the growing backlash against the scandal-plagued Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
The network's decision comes after a slew of major film and television studios, including Netflix, Amazon, and WarnerMedia, have recently distanced themselves from the HFPA and the Globes. The HFPA has not confirmed whether or not a Globes ceremony will be held next year.
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“We continue to believe that the HFPA is committed to meaningful reform,” the Comcast-owned network said this morning, according to Deadline. “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.”
According to a Los Angeles Times investigation this year, the 87-member party, made up of commentators for international media outlets, has been engulfed by issues ranging from preferential treatment demanded by its members to a lack of racial representation in its ranks, which included no Black members.
'Many work with outlets I’ve never heard of'
It said that existing members were from a diverse range of backgrounds, including veteran film reporters for major publications such as Silvia Bizio, a contributor to Italy's La Repubblica, and Rocio Ayuso, a correspondent for Spain's El Pas, as well as others who contribute sporadically to more obscure overseas outlets. “A lot of them work with outlets I’ve never heard of,” said a longtime publicist to the LA Times. “We give them amazing access. We are forced to do that because of who they are.”
The idea that many members aren't professional journalists is "outdated and unfair," according to an HFPA official, who added that the organization has "a robust admissions and reaccreditation process" and that its members "write for some of the most reputable publications in the world."
Netflix, Warner Media boycott Globes
Netflix's decision to withdraw was announced in a letter from CEO Ted Sarandos to HFPA leadership on Thursday, concluding that the organization's reform efforts would not be enough to fix problems. "We’re stopping any activities with your organization until more meaningful changes are made,” Sarandos wrote, according to USA Today.
"We know that you have many well-intentioned members who want real change – and that all of us have more work to do to create an equitable and inclusive industry. But Netflix and many of the talent and creators we work with cannot ignore the HFPA’s collective failure to address these crucial issues with urgency and rigor."
'Racially insensitive, sexist, homophobic questions'
On Sunday, executives at WarnerMedia, which includes HBO, Warner Bros. film and TV studios, TNT and TBS, said in a letter to HFPA President Ali Sar, the company "will continue to refrain from direct engagement with the HFPA, including sanctioned press conferences and invitations to cover other industry events with talent," until more serious changes are implemented.
Calling for the HFPA to be more inclusive in its membership ranks, WarnerMedia also cited press conferences "where our talent were asked racially insensitive, sexist and homophobic questions," along with "demands for perks, special favors and unprofessional requests" from HFPA members.
Struggle to secure press conferences for Black actors
The letter also stated that WarnerMedia has struggled to secure press conferences for Black actors and producers, whose work "has often then gone unrecognized in your nomination and award process."
The Globes are the HFPA's primary source of revenue, USA Today said. In 2018, Variety announced that NBC was paying $60 million a year for broadcast rights in an eight-year deal that lasts until 2026 – and it also plays a key role in Hollywood's annual awards season, announcing nominations and winners in the run-up to the Oscars. The Globes are unlikely to be moved to another media source in the current circumstances.
Many actors recently voiced their dissent over the Golden Globes. Tom Cruise joined fellow actors Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson and David Oyelowo who distanced themselves from the HFPA by issuing strong statements. Cruise returned all three of his Golden Globes wins Best Actor for 'Born on the Fourth of July' and 'Jerry Maguire', and Best Supporting Actor for 'Magnolia'.