Golden Globes 2024 faces historic overhaul after decades of whitewashing

Having graced the Hollywood scene since 1944, the Golden Globes is undergoing a facelift, or rather, a complete overhaul. The notorious Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), long criticised for its lack of diversity and questionable practices, is getting a makeover under new management.

A saviour and a makeover

The HFPA, with its charming 80-year-old governing body and rules seemingly crafted during the horse-and-buggy era, has been a subject of ridicule for years. But fear not, because Eldridge Industries mogul, Todd Boehly, has decided to swoop in and rescue the tarnished golden brand from its self-inflicted wounds.

To know more about the Golden Globes and their significance in the annual awards race, have a look at: How To Win An Oscar

Eldridge Industries, known for its prowess in insurance, technology, real estate, and music management, has accepted the responsibility of breathing new life into the Globes. Boehly, with a net worth that would make Scrooge McDuck jealous, is on a noble mission to modernise an organisation that has been seemingly frozen in time.

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The HFPA, once embroiled in a scandalous lack of diversity, has now become the charity case adopted by Eldridge Industries. The company's founder, Boehly, who made a casual $5.3 billion somewhere along the way, has taken it upon himself to fix what was broken. The HFPA's archaic rules are finally getting the update they desperately needed.

Boehly has reportedly observed that the journalism business has seen better days, and the HFPA members, those valiant defenders of Hollywood stories, were hesitant to expand their governing body at the risk of it impacting their livelihoods.

Forced to reform after #SoWhite findings 

The HFPA's glorious redemption arc began after a Los Angeles Times investigation revealed the shocking fact that there wasn't a single black member among its almost 100-strong governing body triggering widespread public outrage.

The HFPA was forced to reform, introducing new voters and ethical guidelines. Most recently, Jarrod Carmichael, a gay black comedian, was even paid half a million dollars to host the ceremony and poke fun at the organisation's past transgressions.

Now, under Eldridge Industries' supposedly benevolent gaze, the Golden Globes is transitioning from a non-profit organisation to a commercial enterprise. Because nothing says credibility like being owned by a for-profit company with fingers in every lucrative pie, from Bruce Springsteen’s masters to English Premier League soccer clubs.

Two new categories

Further in this grand transformation, the Golden Globes has unveiled two groundbreaking categories: Cinematic and Box Office Achievement in Motion Pictures and Best Stand-Up Comedian on Television. Clearly what every relevant award ceremony needs is a category celebrating blockbuster films that earn more money than the GDP of a small island nation.

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Boehly envisions the Golden Globes as a platform to promote the best of Hollywood, but questions linger about potential conflicts of interest, given Eldridge's ownership of major entertainment publications, as well as a small stake in the indie production house, A24.

Can the revamped Globes truly rise from the ashes of controversy and regain its golden glow? Only time—and perhaps a generous sprinkle of Hollywood magic—will tell.

The Golden Globes is all set to unveil their nominations for their 2024 ceremony today, 6.30 pm IST. You can watch them live here:

The 81st annual Golden Globes is slated to air on January 7, 2024.