Why was there no televised Golden Globes ceremony last year?

After a one-year hiatus with no in-person ceremony, the Golden Globes are back.

While the message from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) last year was that the decision to cancel the ceremony was made because of concerns over the spread of covid-19, others point to a boycott by top actors, producers, and others involved in film and TV. Compounding the problems for the HFPA was that NBC, the network that had traditionally carried the event live, pulled out in solidarity with the boycott.

The HFPA is made up of journalists who cover the entertainment industry, and in 2021 it became public that no Black correspondents had been added to the organization’s membership since 2002. Additionally, investigations found that the practices for being nominated for membership only perpetuated exclusion. Over the last year, the organization has worked to expand its membership, focusing on bringing in writers from marginalized backgrounds.

Back in September, the Chairman of NBC Universal, Frances Berwick, said that the network “recognize[s] the HFPA’s commitment to ongoing change and look forward to welcoming back the Golden Globes to NBC for its landmark 80th Anniversary in January 2023.” The HFPA has made its appreciation clear to the network, with President Helen Hoehe affirming that the organization “remains committed to important changes and supporting programs that prioritize diversity, inclusion, and transparency.”

HFPA says it makes inroads in increasing diversity of membership

A press release by HFPA says it has introduced one-hundred-and-three voters to its “ranks,” with some “international-based voters” being added for the first time. Currently, the body’s membership represents sixty-two countries.

Many of these changes have been able to take place because the way in which new members were selected has been completely overhauled. Before, nominees needed to receive endorsements from two current members. Since the membership lacked diversity across many demographic characteristics, new members tended to reflect those that nominated them.

Now, applications can be sent to be reviewed for membership, and fewer restrictions have been imposed. For instance, now applicants can live “anywhere in the United States,” whereas before, they were required to live in Southern California. Additionally, journalists who do not form part of the Motion Picture Association can also apply to become members and, if selected, are automatically given voting powers.

When will the 80th Golden Globes take place?

The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, January 10, starting at 5:00 PM PT/8:00 PM ET. Viewers can tune in on NBC or stream the show on the network’s streaming service, Peacock.