The Golden Globes—the first big awards ceremony of Hollywood’s “Award Season” each year—is sponsored by, and the winners are chosen by, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

The HFPA is a group of fewer than 100 international journalists, some of whom are retired. 

Now, a Times Investigation reveals an organization embroiled in ethical controversies.

What You Need To Know

  • The Hollywood Foreign Press Association sponsors and chooses the Golden Globe winners every year

  • The association was founded in 1943 by a group of journalists who wanted to work with studios, movie stars, and film directors for publications worldwide

  • Even though the Hollywood Foreign Press has faced controversy, they are part of the Hollywood ecosystem

  • The 78th Golden Globe Awards will air on Sunday on NBC and will be hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler

Staff writers Josh Rottenberg and Stacy Perman wrote the article, and Perman joined Spectrum News 1 anchor Lisa McRee on LA Times Today to talk about it.

The association was founded in 1943 by a group of journalists who wanted to work with studios, movie stars, and film directors for publications worldwide. 

“They thought they could get more attention and raise their profile if they gave awards, so that started it. Today, they are second only to the Oscars in terms of name recognition and popularity. Many people consider them the forerunner for the Oscars. But as long as they have been around, they have been dogged by scandals, repetitional issues, and they have sort of weathered them all,” Perman said.

Another issue is that there is a lack of diversity among the Hollywood Foreign Press Association members. 

“One of the findings in or investigation is that there are no Black members. And that stirred up a lot of reaction, especially if you think of a few years ago with #OscarsSoWhite, and they took steps to address that and diversify their ranks this last summer with Black Lives Matter and George Floyd. It was not just media, but companies and organizations across the country. But, here we are, it is 2021, and they have no Black members,” Perman said.

Studios and networks treat members of the Hollywood Foreign Press with parties, gifts, and trips. 

“Part of their process is that they are sent on junkets around the country and around the world for set visits, for press conferences. The most famous one was the Emily in Paris junket," Perman said. "They were put up by the studio at a luxury hotel and had a set visit at a museum where they were shooting. That came under the gun because Emily in Paris was nominated for two Golden Globes for best comedic series and best actress. It is a fun show, but even one of the show’s writers took issue with the nomination in an Op-Ed she wrote complaining that a phenomenal and innovative show like I May Destroy You was completely snubbed. So, this connection with the 33 members that went to Paris raises questions."

Even though the Hollywood Foreign Press has faced controversy, Perman said they are part of the Hollywood ecosystem. 

“I think it has to do with money. There are millions of dollars at stake. Last year NBC paid $27 million for the broadcast rights to the HFPA. It has become a huge marketing tool for studios and networks, and in many cases, it is a launching pad for more prestigious awards like the Oscars or the Emmy’s. So as much as the studios, the networks, and the industry make jokes, everyone is kind of complicit because it is all part of this system.”