78th Golden Globes addresses controversy, amid glitchy telecast with many UK winners



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Although they honor both movies and television, the Globes are looked at more closely as an indicator of the Oscars. The traditional awards season, however, has been disrupted by the coronavirus, from the release of films via streaming services to the timing of these events sliding further into 2021.

After one of the most criticized nominating decisions, “Minari” – an American production about a Korean family from Arkansas – was named best foreign language film, since that’s how the HFPA chose to rank it. .

On television, Netflix’s “The Crown” was named Best Drama by Globes voters for the second time (last coming in 2017), amid a wave of victories from British talent, including Josh O’Connor and Emma Corrin for playing Prince Charles and Princess Diane. “Schitt’s Creek” continued its sweep from last season at the Emmys by winning another trophy for best comedy.

This year’s ceremony took place under what amounted to twin clouds. Normally thought of as a big freewheeling party (including alcohol consumption), the pandemic required a more inventive approach, mirroring some of the distance techniques pioneered at last year’s Emmy Awards. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler hosted again, but in a New York and Beverly Hills bicoastal format, respectively.

More importantly, the show followed reports from the Los Angeles Times about questionable ethical behavior by members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association – the group that gives the awards, and has long been the subject of such controversy – as well as its total absence. black members, which drew criticism from a number of major Hollywood personalities.

The two first prizes of the evening, in particular, were both awarded to black stars: Daniel Kaluuya, for the historical drama “Judas and the Black Messiah”; and John Boyega, for an episode of the Amazon anthology “Small Ax”. The animated feature award also went to a film with a predominantly African-American cast, “Soul”, which premiered on the Disney + streaming service. The film was also awarded for the best original music.

Neither directly addressed the controversy, although Fey and Poehler did, calling on the HFPA to address the lack of inclusiveness within its ranks, during an alternate monologue in which Fey has called the group “90 international, non-black” and “bizarre European journalists.”

Few of the recipients or presenters referred to the HFPA issues, although “This is Us” star Sterling K. Brown wryly began his introduction by saying, “It’s great to be Black – back. – at the Golden Globes. “

The otherwise empty ballrooms were populated with masked first responders, while the nominees watched from their homes. The cutaways, however, featuring all of the nominees were unsightly, and Kaluuya’s stream struggled technically before he could deliver his acceptance.

The organizers of the awards have said in advance that they will address the latter concern on the show, but three members said it needs to be done better on the broadest terms. “We look forward to a more inclusive future,” Turkish journalist Ali Sar concluded.

NBC, which pays millions each year for the broadcast rights to the ceremony, has not commented on the HFPA and the latest concerns surrounding it.

The nominations underscored the strangeness of this year’s awards process, with many theaters closed and streaming services, especially Netflix, taking an expanded role. Oscar nominations – like the Globes, delayed due to the pandemic – will be announced on March 15.

Politics, unsurprisingly, entered the ceremony. Mark Ruffalo launched a passionate plea for the environment and greater harmony after “the terrible black storm we’ve been through”, while writer-director Aaron Sorkin cited the importance of standing up for democracy in light of the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6. .

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