Golden Globes Reform Foreign Language Film Rule
Faizan Hashmi Published July 01, 2021 | 08:40 AM
Los Angeles, July 1 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Jul, 2021 ) :The embattled Golden Globes on Wednesday announced changes that will allow foreign language and animated films to contend for the Hollywood award show's top prizes.
Organizers are scrambling to reform the influential but scandal-hit Globes after NBC canceled next year's ceremony amid widespread and vocal criticism of the group's record on diversity and transparency.
Among the barbs thrown at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, many awards-watchers expressed outrage that the critically acclaimed "Minari" -- an immigrant tale shot mainly in Korean but set in Arkansas -- was restricted to the foreign language category at this year's show.
It was not allowed to compete for the best comedy and best drama prizes, which are considered the Globes' biggest accolades. Neither was "Parasite," the previous year's eventual best picture Oscar winner.
"As we reexamined our guidelines this year and listened to the industry, we decided to adopt new approaches for future shows ensuring these films receive the attention they deserve," said HFPA president Ali Sar in a statement to AFP.
"Language will no longer be a barrier to recognition as the best." Comprised of some 90 journalists who vote for Tinseltown's second-biggest annual film and television awards, the HFPA has been under fire for months following widespread allegations of racism, sexism, bullying and corruption among its ranks.
Last month, the group approved a raft of reforms to become "more inclusive and diverse" by an "overwhelming" margin, hoping to draw a line under the negative publicity.
But the backlash from Hollywood has been fierce, with A-listers such as Scarlett Johansson and Tom Cruise condemning the changes as too slow, lacking in specifics and failing to address some of the industry's most fundamental grievances.
Two HFPA members have since resigned, calling the group "toxic." On Wednesday, the HFPA said the majority of its membership had "completed diversity, equity and inclusion training sessions, and significant strides have already been made in restructuring the organization." Changes would include banning members from accepting gifts, hiring diversity advisors and establishing an anonymous hotline for complaints.
The changes "will immediately go into effect, regardless of the next air date of the Golden Globes, demonstrating our commitment to diversity and inclusivity throughout all aspects of our work," said Sar.
But it remains to be seen whether the industry that long tolerated some of the HFPA's more questionable behavior will return to the awards, with the likes of Netflix and Warner Bros vowing not to work with the group until significant changes are made.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
HEC reviews curricula for environmental sciences degree programme
ICC Asia looking forward to an action-packed Asia Cricket Week
Yuvraj Singh named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
Greece hands Olympic flame to 2024 Paris Games hosts
Two Kyiv hospitals evacuating over feared Russian strikes
World must act on neurotech revolution, say experts
Charles & Catherine's cancer diagnoses
Champions Alcaraz and Sabalenka through in Madrid Open
King Charles to resume some public duties during cancer treatment: palace
US defense chief announces $6 bn in security aid for Ukraine
Heavy rains cause damage to Spezand-Taftan railway track
Woman stabbed in Israel, attacker killed: police
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
20 hours ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
21 hours ago -
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
3 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
5 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
5 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
6 days ago
-
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
6 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
6 days ago -
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
8 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
12 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
13 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
13 days ago