Last Monday, NBC announced its decision to pull the plug on its 2022 Golden Globes Awards broadcast, putting a stake into the heart of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association after its very public pleas for patience while it worked through its plans to diversify its member rolls and reform its business practices. The current crisis at the HFPA was sparked earlier this year when the LA Times published a blockbuster investigative report, just one week before the 2021 ceremony. The Times report exposed a widespread pattern at the HFPA of dubious business practices in which studios, actors and their agents were strongly encouraged to lavish the HFPA’s exclusive group of members with VIP access to the stars, glitzy receptions, and offer gifts and another honorarium. In response, a steady stream of studios, public relations, agents and stars have announced their criticism of the HFPA and withdrawn their support for the Globes. For example, Tom Cruise announced last week that he had returned to the HFPA the three Golden Globe Awards he has won during his career. After these events, NBC had no other option but to cancel the 2022 edition of the Golden Globes Awards ceremony, but still holding out the hope that the HFPA can rehabilitate its standing to be able to resume operations for 2023.
The sudden vacuum left by the disappearance of the Golden Globes will have a far-reaching impact on Hollywood and the entire film industry. Other award programs such as the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Critics Choice Awards may gain additional visibility…and ratings for their broadcasts.
See also: NBC won’t air Golden Globes in backlash against hosting group (Axios)