Controversy explained: What is HFPA and who are members? Following news that NBC won’t air the Golden Globes next year, media attention turned on HFPA, the organisation behind the annual awards.
NBC has recently issued a statement, saying that the network won’t air the 2022 Golden Globe Awards unless HFPA makes changes to its membership.
As reported by Variety, the organisation has continued to face criticism after being questioned on its diversity and equal representation.
But what is HFPA and who are the organisation’s members?
The association has 90 members from 55 countries, who are international journalists and photographers. They “disseminate information about movies and television to the world through their various publications throughout the world.”
“HFPA members attend more than 300 interviews and countless movie and television screenings throughout each year,” the website explains. “The HFPA also instituted and co-produces the annual Golden Globe Awards, held in January each year.”
In 2015, Vulture published a detailed breakdown on the organisation’s members which included journalists and critics whose work is published in magazines and newspapers.
HFPA’s controversy explored
HFPA has continued to face criticism as the industry and celebrities have asked the organisation to tackle its lack of equal representation.
NBC, the network that airs the annual awards, said in a statement on May 10th, 2021: “We continue to believe that the HFPA is committed to meaningful reform. 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.”
Scarlett Johansson, who has been nominated for five Golden Globes, has asked for “a fundamental reform”. Meanwhile, Tom Cruise has returned his three statuettes.
Johansson’s co-star Mark Ruffalo also offered his thoughts, writing in a Twitter post: “Now is the time to step up and right the wrongs of the past. Honestly, as a recent winner of a Golden Globe, I cannot feel proud or happy about being a recipient of this award.”
WarnerMedia, Netflix and Amazon Studios have stated that they won’t take part in HFPA-related events unless changes are made.
HFPA member speaks out on controversy
HFPA member Husam Asi has spoken out following the controversy that surrounds the Golden Globe Awards.
In an interview with Sky News, Mr Asi said that he has “demanded an investigation”. He explained: “When we find those responsible, they should be held accountable. But at the moment, I don’t know exactly who’s responsible. Everybody blames each other.
“There is a need for reforms… for transparency… better management. At the moment it’s a bit chaotic and it’s all run by lawyers and consultants and all kinds of experts. So it needs a proper direction.”