Hollywood Foreign Press Association

Hollywood Foreign Press Association. The organization is a collective of international journalists and photographers based in Southern California who report on the American entertainment industry for publications outside the United States. Founded in the 1940s, it is best known for founding and presenting the annual Golden Globe Awards, which honor achievements in film and television. Its membership, operations, and ethical standards have been the subject of significant scrutiny and reform efforts over its history.

History

The association was formed in 1943 by a group of foreign correspondents, including journalists from publications in Europe and Latin America, seeking better access to Hollywood studios and stars. Early members, such as Lorenzo Soria, helped establish its presence during the classical Hollywood studio system era. A key early activity was creating an award to recognize cinematic achievements, which evolved into the Golden Globe Awards, first presented in January 1944 at the 20th Century Studios lot. Throughout the mid-20th century, the organization grew in prominence alongside the Academy Awards, with its ceremony becoming a televised event broadcast on NBC.

Organization and membership

The body operates as a non-profit with a board of directors elected from within its ranks. Membership has historically been limited, often numbering fewer than 100 individuals, who must meet specific criteria for ongoing journalistic work for foreign outlets. Notable past presidents include Meher Tatna and Philip Berk. The application process and member conduct have been governed by internal bylaws, with controversies often centering on the perceived exclusivity and ethical standards of the group. For decades, the organization faced criticism for having no Black members, a point highlighted by the #Controversies and criticism surrounding its demographics.

Golden Globe Awards

Its primary public function is producing the Golden Globe Awards, a major event in the Awards season that precedes the Academy Awards. The ceremony honors work in both film and television, with categories split between Drama and Musical or Comedy genres. The awards are voted on by the full membership and have historically been seen as an indicator of Oscar success. The event is known for its relatively informal atmosphere compared to the Academy Awards and has been held at venues like the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. Broadcast rights have been held by networks including NBC and CBS.

Controversies and criticism

The organization has faced sustained criticism over ethical lapses, lack of diversity, and questionable financial practices. In 2021, a major exposé by the Los Angeles Times revealed there were no Black members among its then-87-person roster, leading to widespread backlash from Time's Up, Netflix, and talent like Tom Cruise. Further reports detailed allegations of self-dealing and the acceptance of lavish gifts from studios, potentially influencing Golden Globe Awards nominations. These issues prompted a boycott from major studios, PR firms, and celebrities, including Scarlett Johansson and Mark Ruffalo, severely damaging its reputation and leading to the NBC network dropping the awards broadcast in 2022.

Reform efforts

In response to the scandals, the organization embarked on a series of reform measures aimed at restructuring its governance and membership. In 2021, it approved a set of bylaws changes that included adding at least 20 new members with a focus on recruiting Black journalists, hiring a chief diversity officer, and restricting gifts. A major transformational step came in 2023, when the organization's assets and the Golden Globe Awards intellectual property were acquired and its membership dissolved by Eldridge Industries, with the awards ceremony continuing under new for-profit management. These reforms were monitored by the California Attorney General's office and aimed to address the systemic issues that had long plagued its operations.