Ahead of the 2026 Golden Globes, we take a look back over the major scandals that have left the awards organizers working to repair the gala’s reputation.
What are the biggest controversies at the Golden Globes awards?
The Golden Globes awards return this weekend for their 83rd edition - the first to be held since the disbanding of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the ceremony’s scandal-plagued former organizers.
The Golden Globes are now run by Dick Clark Productions and Eldridge Industries, which took full control of the event from the HFPA in June.
In addition, the awards’ TV coverage has moved to CBS, after the Globes’ many controversies - coupled with the gala’s poor 2023 ratings - persuaded long-time broadcaster NBC to cut ties.
But what are the scandals that have left the Golden Globes’ organizers working to repair the ceremony’s reputation? We take a look at five key ignominious episodes that have rocked the TV and film awards.
Boycott due to lack of diversity
The most recent major controversy was the failure to broadcast the Golden Globes in 2022. NBC, which had aired the event since 1996, refused to broadcast the 79th edition of the show in the wake of an entertainment industry boycott sparked by revelations in the Los Angeles Times.
In 2021, the newspaper revealed details about the HFPA, including the fact that the body had no Black members. What’s more, the LA Times noted that the HFPA had engaged in unethical conduct and suspicious financial practices.
NBC returned as broadcaster in 2023, but then ended its partnership with the Golden Globes.
Resignation of HFPA chief
Other significant controversies in the history of the awards include the 1958 resignation of HFPA president Henry Gris, who stepped down from the organization’s board, pointing out that certain awards were given as favors. That year, the clients of a single ad firm won the most Golden Globes.
Prizes bought?
Although actress Pia Zadora tried to establish herself as a Hollywood star in Butterfly, some questioned her acting ability. Indeed, in 1982 she received the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst New Star. However, she was also awarded the Golden Globe for New Star of the Year.
According to the LA Times, Meshulam Riklis, a wealthy businessman and Zadora’s husband at the time, took HFPA members to Las Vegas for a leisure trip a few weeks before the vote, leading many to harbor doubts about Zadora’s victory.
Those suspicions were heightened in 2011, when rumors surfaced that HFPA members had been convinced with trips to Las Vegas and a private concert to nominate Burlesque for Best Picture.
Bribery in the HFPA
Three days before the 2011 Golden Globes, former HFPA publicist Michael Russell filed a $2 million lawsuit, alleging that members of the group “abused their positions and engaged in unethical and potentially illegal deals, equivalent to a ‘pay to play’ scheme.”
Fraser skips awards over sexual assault claims
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In a 2018 interview, actor Brendan Fraser told GQ that former HFPA chairman Philip Berk sexually assaulted him during a 2003 Hollywood Foreign Press lunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel. As a result, the actor decided not to attend the 2023 ceremony, despite being nominated for Best Actor in a Drama Motion Picture, explaining that his mother “did not raise a hypocrite”.
How to watch the 2026 Golden Globes in the U.S.
Hosted by the comedian Nikki Glaser, the 2026 Golden Globes take place at the Beverly Hilton on Sunday, Jan. 11. In the U.S., the gala will air on CBS from 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Viewers in the States can also watch it on Paramount+, while further streaming options include fubo, which offers new users a free trial.
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