Golden Globe Faces Crisis Over Corruption and Discrimination Allegations in the US

Even NBC Gives Up Broadcasting Next Year: "More Time Needed for Meaningful Change"
Trust Declined Since February Corruption Scandal... Also Affected by 'Minari' Foreign Language Film Rules
Netflix, Amazon Studios, Warner Bros. Join Boycott Movement

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Golden Globe Awards, boasting a 78-year history, is facing an existential crisis. Amid allegations of corruption and criticism over racial and gender discrimination, the Hollywood film industry is turning its back. Even NBC, which has broadcast the ceremony annually, has decided to forgo airing next year's event.

According to Deadline and other film industry media on the 10th (local time), NBC will not broadcast the 2022 Golden Globe Awards. The reason cited is that the reform plan recently announced by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), which organizes the Golden Globes, is insufficient. They criticized, "It seems more time is needed for meaningful change to occur."

The HFPA is a nonprofit organization founded in 1943 by foreign correspondents based in Los Angeles, USA. It has long faced criticism for its closed operations and opaque financial management. In particular, a corruption scandal was revealed in February through a report by the Los Angeles Times. It was alleged that ethical rules were violated and that $2 million (approximately 2.23 billion KRW) was distributed to members between 2019 and 2020 alone. It was also disclosed that some members accepted sponsorships from Paramount and went on lavish trips to Paris.

The HFPA's fairness has also come under scrutiny due to successive controversies over racial and gender discrimination. Among the mere eighty-seven members, there is not a single Black member. At the last Golden Globe Awards, the film Minari was classified as a foreign language film and excluded from nominations for Best Picture, Director, and Acting awards.

The Hollywood film industry is increasingly declaring boycotts. Ted Sarandos, CEO of Netflix, stated, "We will not cooperate with the HFPA until more reforms are made." Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, also refused cooperation, saying, "The HFPA needs genuine solutions." Warner Bros. likewise pointed out the HFPA's issues with racial and gender discrimination and homophobia, declaring their non-participation.

Hollywood stars are also speaking with one voice. Actor Tom Cruise returned three Golden Globe trophies as a call for fundamental change. Actress Scarlett Johansson said, "I was asked sexist questions and experienced sexual harassment from former HFPA members," emphasizing, "Unless there is fundamental reform, we must distance ourselves from this organization." Actor Mark Ruffalo also said, "I am neither proud nor happy as a recent Golden Globe winner," stressing, "Now is the time for the HFPA to correct its mistakes."

In response to the mounting criticism, the HFPA board released a supplemented reform plan on the same day, stating, "We will work swiftly and carefully with film industry stakeholders to achieve innovative change." They plan to revise the code of conduct in consultation with studios and public relations agencies and establish a foundation that embraces diversity and equity. Additionally, they will form an advisory committee to oversee the previously closed operations and aim to increase membership by about half within two years.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.