The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which is in trouble, continued with Sunday’s film awards without a telecast or nominations, a red-carpet, host, press, or even a livestream. Instead, members from the HFPA, as well as some recipients of the group’s philanthropic grants, gathered at Beverly Hilton Hotel for a private 90-minute event. The organization announced the names of the television and film winners via its social media channels.
Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story won many big awards. These included best picture comedy or musical, best actress Rachel Zegler, and best supporting actor Ariana DeBose.
Netflix’s dark Western, “The Power of the Dog”, was awarded best picture drama. Other honors went to Jane Campion’s direction and Kodi Smith-McPhee for her supporting performance.
Other winners were Will Smith for King Richard, Nicole Kidman and Andrew Garfield. Andrew Garfield won “tick…BOOM!” for the Japanese film Drive My Car. “Encanto,” for animation, was also awarded best motion picture in a non-English language.
Although it might seem simple, announcing winners via social media can be a bit confusing for those who follow along on Twitter. Many times, the tweets did not specify which project a winner was for.
The organization announced the winner of best actor, comedy or motion picture musical by tweeting, “It takes 43 muscle to smile.” Thanks for the workout Andrew Garfield and congratulations for taking home the #GoldenGlobe for Best Actor–Motion Picture–Musical/Comedy,” failing to mention that the award was for his turn in “tick, tick…BOOM!”
Sometimes, the tweets were downright confusing. The group announced the win for “West Side Story” by writing, “If laughter was the best medicine @WestSideMovie, it is the cure to all your problems.” This is a reference to the tragedy and death that surrounds the world. Later, they deleted the tweet and created a new one about music being the best medicine.
Television winners were: Sarah Snook, Jeremy Strong and Jean Smart for Succession, which won best TV drama; Jean Smart for Hacks, which also won best comedy television; Jason Sudeikis and Kate Winslet for Ted Lasso; O Yeong-su and Michael Keaton respectively for “Dopesick” and “Mare of Easttown.” Barry Jenkins’ “The Underground Railroad,” won best limited series. According to the group’s website, Michaela Jae Rodriguez (Pose) was the first transgender person to win a Golden Globe.
The event was attended by none of the winners, and they did not immediately comment on the awards.
Jamie Lee Curtis however added his voice to the conversation with a video message posted on Twitter by the group, talking about the HFPA’s charitable work.
Curtis stated, “I just wanted honor and stand beside them in this continued advocacy.” “I am proud to be associated in this venture with them.”
To announce the winners, the HFPA enlisted the leaders of groups it had given grants to. Arnold Schwarzenegger also contributed a video message, thanksgiving the group for choosing him to be the “new star” of 1977.
Many in Hollywood were surprised that the organization would host any type of event. After a Los Angeles Times investigation in February revealed shocking ethical lapses and a lack of diversity, the HFPA was under fire. There were no Black journalists in the 87-member group. Studios and PR agencies threatened to boycott. Tom Cruise returned his three Golden Globes while other A-listers condemned them on social media.
They promised reform last year but, even though they made a public statement during the 78th program, their broadcast partner NBC said in May that it would not air 2022 Golden Globes. “Change of such magnitude takes time.” The show is ranked second to the Grammys and Oscars as the most-watched awards show.
Although often mocked, Hollywood has accepted the Golden Globes as an acceptable and useful stop in a competitive awards show. It was a lively evening for viewers around the globe, with major stars, glamorous fashion, champagne-fueled speeches and hosts (from Tina Fey to Ricky Gervais) that poked fun at HFPA.
It was widely believed that the HFPA would just sit out the year after the NBC blow. Hollywood studios and publicists largely decided not to engage with the group, as they did in years past. Some declined to screen films for consideration. Few people were proud to announce the nominees last month.
According to the press association, it claims it has rebuilt itself in the six months since its 2021 event. The group added a chief diversity officer, restructured its board, inducted 21 new members including six Black journalists, and brought in the NAACP for a five-year partnership. It also updated its code of conduct.
