Golden Globes Could Return To NBC If HFPA Is ‘Committed To Meaningful Change’

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association might still have an opportunity to get the Golden Globes back on air again in 2022, according to NBC chiefs.

“We believe that the HFPA are absolutely committed to meaningful change and that they are going to do the work,” said Frances Berwick, Chairman, Entertainment Networks, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming.

“We just need to give them time to do that work,” added Berwick, while unveiling the network’s fall schedule.

On May 10, the network announced they will not air next year’s awards as the beleaguered organization struggles with systemic racism, ethical lapses and what key players see as a lack of serious reform within its small ranks.

“We continue to believe that the HFPA is committed to meaningful reform,” a spokesperson for the Comcast-owned NBC said in a statement to ET Canada. “However, change of this magnitude takes time and work, and we feel strongly that the HFPA needs time to do it right. As such, NBC will not air the 2022 Golden Globes. Assuming the organization executes on its plan, we are hopeful we will be in a position to air the show in January 2023.”

NBC pays the HFPA an annual $60 million fee to air the broadcast. It is unclear if they will still be paying the fee for the unaired 2022 ceremony which is produced by Dick Clark Productions.

WarnerMedia, Netflix and Amazon have also cut ties with the HFPA citing a lack of confidence in the organization to enact true reform over its lack of diversity. More than 100 publicity firms have also said they will “continue to refrain from any HFPA sanctioned events” until more meaningful actions towards reform were taken.

The HFPA responded to NBC in a statement, writing, “Regardless of the next air date of the Golden Globes, implementing transformational changes as quickly – and as thoughtfully – as possible remains the top priority for our organization. We invite our partners in the industry to the table to work with us on the systemic reform that is long overdue, both in our organization as well as within the industry at large.”

They then listed a timeline of their goals to the Hollywood Reporter.

A few points include reaching their goal of 20 new members by Aug. 2021 and increase membership by 50 per cent in 18 months, giving all members voting rights from the first day.

Over the next two weeks, they will also “Publish Code of Conduct and establish Hotline for reporting of violations” and “Interview candidates and engage new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (“DEI”) consultant.”

The week of Aug, 2 will see a new CEO and CFO, as well as other Executive Team members approved.

Tom Cruise has also returned back to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association his three Golden Globe trophies won over the years as a sign of protest as the organization works to figure out new diversity and inclusion initiatives. Cruise returned the Golden Globes he won for “Jerry Maguire”, “Magnolia” and “Born On The Fourth Of July”.

Mark Ruffalo and Scarlett Johansson are among the growing wave of celebrities who have denounced the organization.

The HFPA previously announced changes that called for “at least 20 new members in 2021, with a specific focus on recruiting Black members,” after it was revealed there were no Black members among its membership base. In addition, the HFPA is striving for “a goal of increasing the membership by 50% over the next 18 months” and is expanding eligibility to any qualified journalist living in the U.S. who works for a foreign outlet, and to those who work in a medium “beyond print” as well as eliminating the requirement that new members must be sponsored by existing members.

They have also announced members must adhere to a “code of conduct” going forward.