3:15 PM PT — HFPA has responded to NBC putting their award show on the shelf for a year, and it looks like the move lit a fire under their ass — ’cause they’ve got a way quicker (and excruciatingly detailed) timeline on what they’re going to do to shape up … and exactly when.
The org says, “Regardless of the next air date of the Golden Globes, implementing transformational changes as quickly — and as thoughtfully — as possible remains the top priority for our organization.” They add, “We invite our partners in the industry to the table to work with us on the systemic reform that is long overdue, both in our organization as well as within the industry at large.”
Starting this week, HFPA will begin the process of adding 20 new members (presumably all of whom will be BIPOC) by August … and increasing their membership by 50% in 18 mos. By the end of May, HFPA is aiming to hire a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion consultant, a bunch of other execs, roll out a new code of conduct and train their members up ASAP.
Come June, they’re planning to review new bylaws with an independent firm they’re bringing on, and also form a new credentials committee … while sending out ballots to vote on these changes. In July, they’re hoping all the new bylaws will be adopted and all the changes will go into effect — and when August rolls around, they want to admit their new class of HFPA members. There’s A LOT to do, but HFPA wants everyone to know … they’re on it.
Looks like there will be one less award show next year … NBC just axed the 2022 Golden Globes because of a lack of diversity within the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
The network announced its decision to cut ties with the Golden Globes Monday, citing the need for “meaningful reform” at the HFPA, which is stirring outrage in Hollywood due to a lack of people of color among its members.
NBC says it won’t air the Golden Globes in 2022, but the network’s leaving the door open for the award show’s return in January 2023, as long as the HFPA follows through with a new plan to increase membership among POC.
NBC
Remember, the HFPA — a non-profit made up of international journalists who put on (and vote for winners of) the Golden Globes — has been called out for reportedly having ZERO Black members for several years now.
The hosts of this year’s Golden Globes, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, even raised the issue during NBC’s February broadcast.
NBC’s decision to ax the Globes comes the same day Tom Cruise reportedly returned his 3 Golden Globe trophies to the HFPA in a sign of protest.
There’s been growing opposition to HFPA … as we reported, Mark Ruffalo and Scarlett Johansson recently called on Hollywood to “step back” from HFPA, and the Globes by extension.
Meanwhile, the HFPA says it’s planning to make sweeping changes … like admitting 20 new members with a focus on Black recruitment.
NBC says change at the HFPA “takes time and work, and we feel strongly that the HFPA needs time to do it right.”
See ya in 2023?!?
Originally Published — 12:25 PM PT