Hyderabad, May 20 (Ians) Telugu actress and producer Lakshmi Manchu is all chuffed about a still from her first film, ‘Anaganaga O Dheerudu’ (2011), accompanying an article by Meher Tatna on the Golden Globes website.
Tatna, a journalist who writes for ‘The New Paper’, Singapore, is former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which organises the Golden Globes. Her article, which appeared on May 17, is titled ‘Tollywood – Telugu Cinema in India’.
Appreciating the article, which sheds light on the phenomenal growth of Tollywood, Lakshmi Manchu underlined the need for all regional language industries to be recognised as a unified Indian film industry.
Taking to Instagram Reels to share her thoughts, Lakshmi Manchu emphasised the need to acknowledge the diverse nature of the Indian film industry.
She said: “Just one thought here that I want to put forth, especially to the western world. India is a multicultural and multilingual nation. There are...
Tatna, a journalist who writes for ‘The New Paper’, Singapore, is former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which organises the Golden Globes. Her article, which appeared on May 17, is titled ‘Tollywood – Telugu Cinema in India’.
Appreciating the article, which sheds light on the phenomenal growth of Tollywood, Lakshmi Manchu underlined the need for all regional language industries to be recognised as a unified Indian film industry.
Taking to Instagram Reels to share her thoughts, Lakshmi Manchu emphasised the need to acknowledge the diverse nature of the Indian film industry.
She said: “Just one thought here that I want to put forth, especially to the western world. India is a multicultural and multilingual nation. There are...
- 5/20/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Among the accusations the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and its annual Golden Globe Awards now face: racist nominations, category designations, and membership; a lack of attention for female filmmakers; member resistance to watching films and shows outside their apparent comfort zones; a slavish affection for celebrity; and an overweening fondness for swag.
The tiny organization is a familiar source of Hollywood derision; fewer than 100 members of uncertain provenance determine the results of an awards show that receives major media attention and millions in advertising dollars. Now, they face their greatest enemy: themselves. After a February exposé by the Los Angeles Times, followed by a series of increasingly urgent missteps followed by promises to do better, the HFPA and the Golden Globes now appear to be hurtling toward an inglorious, only-in-Hollywood end.
Here’s how they got there.
Update: This article was originally published on April 21, 2021 and has been frequently updated...
The tiny organization is a familiar source of Hollywood derision; fewer than 100 members of uncertain provenance determine the results of an awards show that receives major media attention and millions in advertising dollars. Now, they face their greatest enemy: themselves. After a February exposé by the Los Angeles Times, followed by a series of increasingly urgent missteps followed by promises to do better, the HFPA and the Golden Globes now appear to be hurtling toward an inglorious, only-in-Hollywood end.
Here’s how they got there.
Update: This article was originally published on April 21, 2021 and has been frequently updated...
- 8/5/2021
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
The dominoes continue to fall for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
In protest of the ongoing controversy surrounding the lack of diversity within the HFPA’s membership, Tom Cruise has returned the three Golden Globe trophies he earned for “Born on the Fourth of July”, “Jerry Maguire”, and “Magnolia” (best supporting actor), Variety has confirmed.
It is the most high profile repudiation yet of the HFPA from a single star, after several actors — including Scarlett Johansson and Mark Ruffalo — called for the industry to “step back” from the Globes until more substantial reforms are put in place within the HFPA organization. Netflix, Amazon, and WarnerMedia have all announced boycotts of the HFPA, and NBCUniversal announced on Monday that NBC would not air the Globes in 2022.
In response, filmmaker Ava DuVernay praised Cruise’s actions on Twitter: “That time that Tom Cruise sent his @goldenglobes for ‘Jerry Maguire,’ ‘Magnolia’ and...
In protest of the ongoing controversy surrounding the lack of diversity within the HFPA’s membership, Tom Cruise has returned the three Golden Globe trophies he earned for “Born on the Fourth of July”, “Jerry Maguire”, and “Magnolia” (best supporting actor), Variety has confirmed.
It is the most high profile repudiation yet of the HFPA from a single star, after several actors — including Scarlett Johansson and Mark Ruffalo — called for the industry to “step back” from the Globes until more substantial reforms are put in place within the HFPA organization. Netflix, Amazon, and WarnerMedia have all announced boycotts of the HFPA, and NBCUniversal announced on Monday that NBC would not air the Globes in 2022.
In response, filmmaker Ava DuVernay praised Cruise’s actions on Twitter: “That time that Tom Cruise sent his @goldenglobes for ‘Jerry Maguire,’ ‘Magnolia’ and...
- 5/10/2021
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
Contending with a strong and consistent backlash from top talent and PR powerhouses over its lack of any Black members, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association had a bit of a good day for once, at least on the legal front.
Late Tuesday, a federal judge tossed out the remnants of an antitrust suit against the Golden Globes hosting group by Norwegian and Spanish journalists who wanted to join the 87-member HFPA – and Judge Stanley Blumenfeld shut the door hard.
“Plaintiff’s First Amended Complaint is Dismissed without leave to amend,” said the U.S. District Judge in a March 23 ruling made public today (read it here).
“In denying leave to amend, the Court has concluded that it would be futile to give Plaintiffs another opportunity to do so,” added Judge Blumenfeld in the often mordacious 14-page order against Kjersti Flaa and Rosa Gamazo Robbins. “When given a second chance, Plaintiffs...
Late Tuesday, a federal judge tossed out the remnants of an antitrust suit against the Golden Globes hosting group by Norwegian and Spanish journalists who wanted to join the 87-member HFPA – and Judge Stanley Blumenfeld shut the door hard.
“Plaintiff’s First Amended Complaint is Dismissed without leave to amend,” said the U.S. District Judge in a March 23 ruling made public today (read it here).
“In denying leave to amend, the Court has concluded that it would be futile to give Plaintiffs another opportunity to do so,” added Judge Blumenfeld in the often mordacious 14-page order against Kjersti Flaa and Rosa Gamazo Robbins. “When given a second chance, Plaintiffs...
- 3/24/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
A judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by a Norwegian reporter who accused the Hollywood Foreign Press Association of freezing her out of access to celebrity interviews.
Kjersti Flaa sued the organization last August, saying that she had been repeatedly denied membership. In the complaint, she argued that the HFPA functions like a cartel, as its members divvy up the market for foreign entertainment coverage, and reject anyone who poses a competitive threat.
Judge Stanley Blumenfeld dismissed the lawsuit back in November, but gave Flaa an opportunity to amend her complaint. She and another journalist, Rosa Gamazo Robbins, refiled the complaint in December. In a ruling on Tuesday, Blumenfeld rejected the case again, this time without leave to amend.
The judge held that the amended complaint was still “hopelessly muddled,” and that it is the Hollywood studios — not the HFPA — that controls access to celebrity interviews. Blumenfeld also noted that,...
Kjersti Flaa sued the organization last August, saying that she had been repeatedly denied membership. In the complaint, she argued that the HFPA functions like a cartel, as its members divvy up the market for foreign entertainment coverage, and reject anyone who poses a competitive threat.
Judge Stanley Blumenfeld dismissed the lawsuit back in November, but gave Flaa an opportunity to amend her complaint. She and another journalist, Rosa Gamazo Robbins, refiled the complaint in December. In a ruling on Tuesday, Blumenfeld rejected the case again, this time without leave to amend.
The judge held that the amended complaint was still “hopelessly muddled,” and that it is the Hollywood studios — not the HFPA — that controls access to celebrity interviews. Blumenfeld also noted that,...
- 3/24/2021
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the group that hands out the Golden Globes, has won again in the antitrust suit filed by Norwegian journalist Kjersti Flaa, who accused the organization behind the Golden Globe Awards of antitrust violations and a “culture of corruption” that unlawfully denied her membership despite fulfilling all the requirements for admission.
“Defendants’ Motion is Granted. Plaintiff’s First Amended Complaint is Dismissed without leave to amend,” U.S. District Judge Stanley Blumenfeld, Jr. ruled. “In denying leave to amend, the Court has concluded that it would be futile to give Plaintiffs another opportunity to do so… When given a second chance, Plaintiffs fashioned an antitrust theory that is creative but implausible and contradictory. And it is increasingly apparent that many of the allegations in the original and amended complaint stand immovably in the way of stating a viable antitrust claim. In these circumstances, leave to amend is not warranted.
“Defendants’ Motion is Granted. Plaintiff’s First Amended Complaint is Dismissed without leave to amend,” U.S. District Judge Stanley Blumenfeld, Jr. ruled. “In denying leave to amend, the Court has concluded that it would be futile to give Plaintiffs another opportunity to do so… When given a second chance, Plaintiffs fashioned an antitrust theory that is creative but implausible and contradictory. And it is increasingly apparent that many of the allegations in the original and amended complaint stand immovably in the way of stating a viable antitrust claim. In these circumstances, leave to amend is not warranted.
- 3/24/2021
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Updated with HFPA response and Time’s Up statement: In a letter addressed to HFPA COO Greg Goecker and Board Chair Meher Tatna, a collective of Hollywood publicists today warned the group it had better make meaningful changes, or risk them telling their star clients to stay away from the Golden Globes.
The HFPA’s board issued a lengthy statement in response, which says in part that the board has “unanimously approved a plan to increase membership to a minimum of 100 members this year, with a requirement that at least 13 percent of the membership be Black journalists.” Read the full statement below.
Time’s Up also issued a statement tonight commending the publicists’ move. Read that below also.
The HFPA, never the most credible of organizations, is usually the subject of an expose every few years. This year was a doozy, with the LA Times uncovering that the group didn’t have a single Black member,...
The HFPA’s board issued a lengthy statement in response, which says in part that the board has “unanimously approved a plan to increase membership to a minimum of 100 members this year, with a requirement that at least 13 percent of the membership be Black journalists.” Read the full statement below.
Time’s Up also issued a statement tonight commending the publicists’ move. Read that below also.
The HFPA, never the most credible of organizations, is usually the subject of an expose every few years. This year was a doozy, with the LA Times uncovering that the group didn’t have a single Black member,...
- 3/16/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Last Wednesday an email chain started to circulate around Hollywood’s press agencies, who represent many of the entertainment industry’s top stars. Over the decades, some veteran publicists were getting sick and tired of the demands of The Hollywood Foreign Press, that coterie of about 90 foreign correspondents who originally banded together to get access to movie stars and eventually came to believe they were friends with them.
The HFPA launched the Golden Globes in 1944, and this past season came under fire after the latest in a series of muckraking newspaper stories over the years exposing their susceptibility to exotic junkets and excessive swag, cozy relationships with publicists, and their myopia about diversity within their membership ranks. After refusing to hire a diversity consultant, the HFPA went ahead and recently put some advisors on their payroll, announcing at the Golden Globes, which were an anemic affair this year, that they would make changes.
The HFPA launched the Golden Globes in 1944, and this past season came under fire after the latest in a series of muckraking newspaper stories over the years exposing their susceptibility to exotic junkets and excessive swag, cozy relationships with publicists, and their myopia about diversity within their membership ranks. After refusing to hire a diversity consultant, the HFPA went ahead and recently put some advisors on their payroll, announcing at the Golden Globes, which were an anemic affair this year, that they would make changes.
- 3/16/2021
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Last Wednesday an email chain started to circulate around Hollywood’s press agencies, who represent many of the entertainment industry’s top stars. Over the decades, some veteran publicists were getting sick and tired of the demands of The Hollywood Foreign Press, that coterie of about 90 foreign correspondents who originally banded together to get access to movie stars and eventually came to believe they were friends with them.
The HFPA launched the Golden Globes in 1944, and this past season came under fire after the latest in a series of muckraking newspaper stories over the years exposing their susceptibility to exotic junkets and excessive swag, cozy relationships with publicists, and their myopia about diversity within their membership ranks. After refusing to hire a diversity consultant, the HFPA went ahead and recently put some advisors on their payroll, announcing at the Golden Globes, which were an anemic affair this year, that they would make changes.
The HFPA launched the Golden Globes in 1944, and this past season came under fire after the latest in a series of muckraking newspaper stories over the years exposing their susceptibility to exotic junkets and excessive swag, cozy relationships with publicists, and their myopia about diversity within their membership ranks. After refusing to hire a diversity consultant, the HFPA went ahead and recently put some advisors on their payroll, announcing at the Golden Globes, which were an anemic affair this year, that they would make changes.
- 3/16/2021
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
More than 100 Hollywood public relations firms demanded on Monday that the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the organization that hands out the Golden Globes, enact “profound and lasting” change otherwise their clients will not “participate in HFPA events or interviews” going forward.
The scathing email from the leading publicity firms in the entertainment industry read:
“We call on the Hollywood Foreign Press Association to swiftly manifest profound and lasting change to eradicate the longstanding exclusionary ethos and pervasive practice of discriminatory behavior, unprofessionalism, ethical impropriety and alleged financial corruption endemic to the HFPA, funded by Dick Clark Productions, MRC, NBCUniversal and Comcast.”
It continued: “In the last decade our industry has faced a seismic reckoning and begun to address its failure to reflect and honor the diversity of our community, yet we have witnessed no acceptance of responsibility, accountability or action from the HFPA, even as systemic inequity and egregious behavior are allowed to continue.
The scathing email from the leading publicity firms in the entertainment industry read:
“We call on the Hollywood Foreign Press Association to swiftly manifest profound and lasting change to eradicate the longstanding exclusionary ethos and pervasive practice of discriminatory behavior, unprofessionalism, ethical impropriety and alleged financial corruption endemic to the HFPA, funded by Dick Clark Productions, MRC, NBCUniversal and Comcast.”
It continued: “In the last decade our industry has faced a seismic reckoning and begun to address its failure to reflect and honor the diversity of our community, yet we have witnessed no acceptance of responsibility, accountability or action from the HFPA, even as systemic inequity and egregious behavior are allowed to continue.
- 3/16/2021
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Under severe criticism for the lack of a single Black member among their influential ranks, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association today finally laid out some specifics of how they intend to try to rectify matters.
“We understand the importance of building a more inclusive organization and becoming more transparent in our operations, and these hires are an important first step,” said the HFPA today.
Following more vague promises this past weekend to address the appalling situation, the Golden Globes organizing group are bringing on board Dr. Shaun Harper the executive director of USC Race and Equity Center as their “Strategic Diversity Advisor for the next five years,” the Golden Globes presenting group announced Tuesday. In addition to conducting a review of the 87-member group’s internal policies, Dr. Harper “will also create and conduct a series of anti-racism and unconscious bias training for our members,” the HFPA stated. “Dr. Harper...
“We understand the importance of building a more inclusive organization and becoming more transparent in our operations, and these hires are an important first step,” said the HFPA today.
Following more vague promises this past weekend to address the appalling situation, the Golden Globes organizing group are bringing on board Dr. Shaun Harper the executive director of USC Race and Equity Center as their “Strategic Diversity Advisor for the next five years,” the Golden Globes presenting group announced Tuesday. In addition to conducting a review of the 87-member group’s internal policies, Dr. Harper “will also create and conduct a series of anti-racism and unconscious bias training for our members,” the HFPA stated. “Dr. Harper...
- 3/9/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) issued a statement over the weekend promising to make new efforts at diversity and inclusion in its membership. A Los Angeles Times probe ahead of the HFPA’s Golden Globes ceremony broadcast on NBC last week revealed the organization has zero Black members, among other troubling patterns within the association, which the HFPA now promises to address.
But the statement (below) left the Time’s Up organization, which according to Deadline had a sit-down meeting with NBC executives to discuss an action plan, skeptical: “So NBCUniversal, Dick Clark Productions, and the HFPA just declared that they have a plan to fix problems they’ve ignored for decades. We’re not so sure. On behalf of the many artists who look to us to hold the HFPA’s feet to the fire on the racism, disrespect, misogyny, and alleged corrupt financial dealings of the Golden Globes,...
But the statement (below) left the Time’s Up organization, which according to Deadline had a sit-down meeting with NBC executives to discuss an action plan, skeptical: “So NBCUniversal, Dick Clark Productions, and the HFPA just declared that they have a plan to fix problems they’ve ignored for decades. We’re not so sure. On behalf of the many artists who look to us to hold the HFPA’s feet to the fire on the racism, disrespect, misogyny, and alleged corrupt financial dealings of the Golden Globes,...
- 3/7/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
For all intents and purposes, Sunday’s Golden Globes ceremony was an imitation of life; stars dressed up for “red carpet” pictures from homes and hotel suites around the world, before logging onto a Zoom meeting to hear the results. Even the show’s hosts were in different cities, interacting awkwardly around broadcast delays. But after a barrage of negative attention on the Hollywood Foreign Press Association in the days leading up to the show, it was the imitation of sincerity in addressing the criticism that rankled most. In a half-hearted attempt to answer perhaps the biggest challenge to the HFPA’s integrity in its history — and there have been plenty — the org’s president Ali Sar, vice president Helen Hoehne and former president Meher Tatna dedicated less than a minute, in only 100 words, to their vow to do better, and in so doing, rushed through their meas culpa faster...
- 3/3/2021
- by Joe Utichi
- Deadline Film + TV
An Australian member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association said on an Australian morning TV show that the organization hadn’t previously considered the absence of Black journalists “a problem” to be “focused” on.
Jenny Cooney, appearing on Today Australia Monday, was asked about the HFPA’s lack of diversity, as issue that drew anger and attention from Golden Globes presenters Sunday night. Addressing the topic, Cooney said that “the fact that there was not a Black member was not really anything we focused on because we were accepting and welcoming everybody from around the world that was based in L.A. that wrote for foreign publications, that was just our criteria.”
Watch the interview above.
Cooney continued, “The fact that there were no Black members we didn’t really consider a problem. Now of course we realize that we should have been much more proactive about really going out...
Jenny Cooney, appearing on Today Australia Monday, was asked about the HFPA’s lack of diversity, as issue that drew anger and attention from Golden Globes presenters Sunday night. Addressing the topic, Cooney said that “the fact that there was not a Black member was not really anything we focused on because we were accepting and welcoming everybody from around the world that was based in L.A. that wrote for foreign publications, that was just our criteria.”
Watch the interview above.
Cooney continued, “The fact that there were no Black members we didn’t really consider a problem. Now of course we realize that we should have been much more proactive about really going out...
- 3/3/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The Golden Globes were held on Sunday, and we learned so much as we continue on into the awards season — but the lessons may not be what we had expected in this extended pandemic year. Here are some of the things we learned from the first big awards show of 2021:
The elephant in the awards room regarding diversity
If you look over the past week of events for the HFPA, it’s been undoubtedly one of the most challenging as an organization. From the LA Times story regarding the complete lack of Black members on Sunday, Feb. 21, to Variety’s reporting that that had been the case since at least 2002, the HFPA was facing an awards show that would have been heavily scrutinized for an all-white selection of winners. The accounting firm Ernst & Young, which tabulates the organization’s votes for the nominees, mailed the ballots on Tuesday,...
The elephant in the awards room regarding diversity
If you look over the past week of events for the HFPA, it’s been undoubtedly one of the most challenging as an organization. From the LA Times story regarding the complete lack of Black members on Sunday, Feb. 21, to Variety’s reporting that that had been the case since at least 2002, the HFPA was facing an awards show that would have been heavily scrutinized for an all-white selection of winners. The accounting firm Ernst & Young, which tabulates the organization’s votes for the nominees, mailed the ballots on Tuesday,...
- 3/1/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Husam Asi, a BBC Cinematic presenter and member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), told Sky News over the weekend that recent backlash against the Golden Globes voting organization “mostly stems from jealously” among journalists upset they do not get the same perks and level of access to filmmakers and actors as members of the HFPA do. The HFPA came under fire in the week leading up to the 2021 Golden Globes, not only for the revelation that it lacks a single Black member but also for claims that votes can be influenced through gifts.
A report published by the Los Angeles Times noted that HFPA members were “routinely granted exclusive access to Hollywood power players, invited to junkets in exotic locales, put up in five-star hotels and, as Globes nominations near, lavished with gifts, dinners, and star-studded parties.”
Such was the case with “Emily in Paris,” the production for...
A report published by the Los Angeles Times noted that HFPA members were “routinely granted exclusive access to Hollywood power players, invited to junkets in exotic locales, put up in five-star hotels and, as Globes nominations near, lavished with gifts, dinners, and star-studded parties.”
Such was the case with “Emily in Paris,” the production for...
- 3/1/2021
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Time’s Up has called on NBCUniversal to reform the Golden Globes after the Hollywood Foreign Press Association leadership addressed the absence of Black members within the organization on Sunday’s telecast.
HFPA President Ali Sar, Vice President Helen Hoehne and former president Meher Tatna took the stage to discuss the issue during the show, with short remarks admitting that the organization needs Black members and promising “a more inclusive future.”
“We recognize we have our own work to do,” Hoehne said. “Just like in film and television, Black representation is vital. We must have Black journalists in our organization.”
In response, Time’s Up President and CEO Tina Tchen penned letters to the HFPA and the award show’s broadcast partner NBCUniversal, writing, “We must fix the Golden Globes.”
“Statements made by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) tonight and over the last several days indicate that the organization believes it can make the fix,...
HFPA President Ali Sar, Vice President Helen Hoehne and former president Meher Tatna took the stage to discuss the issue during the show, with short remarks admitting that the organization needs Black members and promising “a more inclusive future.”
“We recognize we have our own work to do,” Hoehne said. “Just like in film and television, Black representation is vital. We must have Black journalists in our organization.”
In response, Time’s Up President and CEO Tina Tchen penned letters to the HFPA and the award show’s broadcast partner NBCUniversal, writing, “We must fix the Golden Globes.”
“Statements made by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) tonight and over the last several days indicate that the organization believes it can make the fix,...
- 3/1/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
“Nomadland” won the big awards, “Borat” beat “Hamilton” in a battle of politically-charged films and “The Crown” and “Schitt’s Creek” were the big TV winners at the 78th annual Golden Globe Awards on Sunday night.
So what?
In the grand scheme of Golden Globes news, the night’s winners are all but irrelevant. What mattered on the stages of the Beverly Hilton and New York City’s Rainbow Room, and in the homes of winners, nominees and viewers around the world, was the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s on-stage acknowledgement that it needs to admit some Black members and become more diverse and inclusive. And the clear feeling even from presenters and winners was that they need to do so immediately.
What really matters is not the six extremely vague sentences from Hpfa officials Helen Hoehne, Meher Tatna and Ali Sar during their 40 seconds on the stage, but what they do next.
So what?
In the grand scheme of Golden Globes news, the night’s winners are all but irrelevant. What mattered on the stages of the Beverly Hilton and New York City’s Rainbow Room, and in the homes of winners, nominees and viewers around the world, was the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s on-stage acknowledgement that it needs to admit some Black members and become more diverse and inclusive. And the clear feeling even from presenters and winners was that they need to do so immediately.
What really matters is not the six extremely vague sentences from Hpfa officials Helen Hoehne, Meher Tatna and Ali Sar during their 40 seconds on the stage, but what they do next.
- 3/1/2021
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
It was a busy night for Time’s Up as they sent not one, but two letters on Sunday night in regards to a flimsy statement made by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) in regards to the lack of inclusion of Black people in their organization. And just to make sure their bases were covered, Time’s Up also sent a letter to NBCUniversal to make sure they are being held accountable.
The first letter was to HFPA’s Meher Tatna, Board Chair; Ali Sar, President and Helen Hoehne, Vice President. The trio appeared on stage on Sunday night during the Golden Globes telecast to address the lack of Black people in the organization. The appearance was brief and didn’t seem to have a sense of urgency. Instead, it felt trite and fleeting. Time’s Up President & CEO Tina Tchen did not mince words.
“The HFPA’s statements tonight...
The first letter was to HFPA’s Meher Tatna, Board Chair; Ali Sar, President and Helen Hoehne, Vice President. The trio appeared on stage on Sunday night during the Golden Globes telecast to address the lack of Black people in the organization. The appearance was brief and didn’t seem to have a sense of urgency. Instead, it felt trite and fleeting. Time’s Up President & CEO Tina Tchen did not mince words.
“The HFPA’s statements tonight...
- 3/1/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
The 78th annual Golden Globes had a unique opportunity to right some wrongs and take Hollywood’s awards season into a new realm coming out of the coronavirus pandemic.
Unless disaster was the intention, the show absolutely missed it with a bloated and glitchy ceremony that was pure Hindenburg almost from the beginning. Already mired in anger from some of the industry’s heaviest hitters over the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s lack of Black members, Sunday night’s bicoastal ceremony hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler certainly was a Globes to remember, in the worst way.
And it’s not like last year’s Ricky Gervais-fronted event was any great shakes to begin with, but it looks positively artful in comparison now.
Now, heading toward the Oscars, it was undeniably a good night for the likes of Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, Judas and the Black Messiah’s Daniel Kaluuya,...
Unless disaster was the intention, the show absolutely missed it with a bloated and glitchy ceremony that was pure Hindenburg almost from the beginning. Already mired in anger from some of the industry’s heaviest hitters over the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s lack of Black members, Sunday night’s bicoastal ceremony hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler certainly was a Globes to remember, in the worst way.
And it’s not like last year’s Ricky Gervais-fronted event was any great shakes to begin with, but it looks positively artful in comparison now.
Now, heading toward the Oscars, it was undeniably a good night for the likes of Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, Judas and the Black Messiah’s Daniel Kaluuya,...
- 3/1/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Time’s Up issued letters to both the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and NBC following the 2021 Golden Globes, slamming the HFPA’s statements during the broadcast and in the past few days regarding the lack of diversity in its organization.
“The HFPA’s statements tonight and over the last several days indicate a fundamental lack of understanding of the depth of the problems at hand,” Time’s Up letter to HFPA members Helen Hoehne, Meher Tatna and Ali Sar read. “Your stated version of change is cosmetic — find Black people. That is not a solution.”
“We listened tonight and hoped to hear the HFPA respond with some awareness that the industry wide discontent with your organization’s practices goes far beyond what you offered tonight and in the days preceding. What we had hoped you heard was that not having a Black member was a symptom of a problem, not just the problem itself,...
“The HFPA’s statements tonight and over the last several days indicate a fundamental lack of understanding of the depth of the problems at hand,” Time’s Up letter to HFPA members Helen Hoehne, Meher Tatna and Ali Sar read. “Your stated version of change is cosmetic — find Black people. That is not a solution.”
“We listened tonight and hoped to hear the HFPA respond with some awareness that the industry wide discontent with your organization’s practices goes far beyond what you offered tonight and in the days preceding. What we had hoped you heard was that not having a Black member was a symptom of a problem, not just the problem itself,...
- 3/1/2021
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Making Golden Globes history, Andra Day won the Golden Globe for best actress in a motion picture drama, for her indelible performance in the Hulu film “The United States vs. Billie Holiday.” Day’s win underlines the Globes’ pitiable record with representation, as she’s only the second Black woman ever to win this award, after Whoopi Goldberg did 35 years ago for “The Color Purple.”
In a tearful acceptance speech surrounded by her family and friends, Day thanked “the amazing, transformative, dynamic Billie Holiday, who just just transformed me with this role and with her presence and with her spirit.”
This is Day’s first acting nomination and win at the Globes, and she’s the first winner in this category for a movie that debuted on a streaming service. Day, who started her career as a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, was also nominated with Raphael Saadiq for best original song (“Tigress...
In a tearful acceptance speech surrounded by her family and friends, Day thanked “the amazing, transformative, dynamic Billie Holiday, who just just transformed me with this role and with her presence and with her spirit.”
This is Day’s first acting nomination and win at the Globes, and she’s the first winner in this category for a movie that debuted on a streaming service. Day, who started her career as a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, was also nominated with Raphael Saadiq for best original song (“Tigress...
- 3/1/2021
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
In the past, the Golden Globes has been an awards ceremony that, to many, has been considered one of the most fun Hollywood events. The hosts, like this year’s Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, waste no time when it comes to roasting the audience of celebrities who are more socially lubricated as the alcohol flows freely and a casual banquet-like environment sets up for more impromptu, unpredictable moments that are worthy of a fun Monday morning news story that will go viral.
Fun, right? Well, 2021 is a different year.
With a pandemic and a racial reckoning hitting the country in full force, decades of criticism and underlying issues of questionable work ethics that the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) has managed to sidestep are catching up to them.
Not even five minutes in, Fey playfully explained the HFPA to the audience of essential workers in New York’s Rainbow...
Fun, right? Well, 2021 is a different year.
With a pandemic and a racial reckoning hitting the country in full force, decades of criticism and underlying issues of questionable work ethics that the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) has managed to sidestep are catching up to them.
Not even five minutes in, Fey playfully explained the HFPA to the audience of essential workers in New York’s Rainbow...
- 3/1/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Minutes after the 78th annual Golden Globes Awards wrapped, Time’s Up president and CEO Tina Tchen released a pair of letters to its voting body, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, and its network sponsor, NBC, demanding a more substantive response to its lack of a diverse membership.
“The HFPA’s statements tonight and over the last several days indicate a fundamental lack of understanding of the depth of the problems at hand,” Tchen wrote in a letter to HFPA leaders Meher Tatna (board chair), Ali Sar (president) and Helen Hoehne (vice president). “Your stated version of ...
“The HFPA’s statements tonight and over the last several days indicate a fundamental lack of understanding of the depth of the problems at hand,” Tchen wrote in a letter to HFPA leaders Meher Tatna (board chair), Ali Sar (president) and Helen Hoehne (vice president). “Your stated version of ...
Minutes after the 78th annual Golden Globes Awards wrapped, Time’s Up president and CEO Tina Tchen released a pair of letters to its voting body, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, and its network sponsor, NBC, demanding a more substantive response to its lack of a diverse membership.
“The HFPA’s statements tonight and over the last several days indicate a fundamental lack of understanding of the depth of the problems at hand,” Tchen wrote in a letter to HFPA leaders Meher Tatna (board chair), Ali Sar (president) and Helen Hoehne (vice president). “Your stated version of ...
“The HFPA’s statements tonight and over the last several days indicate a fundamental lack of understanding of the depth of the problems at hand,” Tchen wrote in a letter to HFPA leaders Meher Tatna (board chair), Ali Sar (president) and Helen Hoehne (vice president). “Your stated version of ...
After facing criticism over the lack of Black representation within its organization, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association has promised to build a "more inclusive future." HFPA members Helen Hoehne, Meher Tatna and Ali Sar appeared onstage at tonight's 2021 Golden Globes to address the matter. "Tonight, while we celebrate the work of artists from around the globe, we recognize we have our own work to do," Hoehne shared. "Like in film and television, Black representation is vital." Tatner continued, "We must ensure everyone from all underrepresented communities gets a seat at our table and we are going to make that...
- 3/1/2021
- E! Online
The organization behind the Golden Globe Awards currently has no Black members, but that situation will change, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced during the ceremony Sunday.
The HFPA spent time during the annual event to address the lack of diversity in its ranks. The moment was spurred by #TimesUpGlobes, a social media campaign that criticized the fact that not one of HFPA’s 87 members are Black.
More from TVLineRatings: Golden Globes Take Expected Plunge With Virtual BroadcastGolden Globes 2021: Grade Tina Fey and Amy Poehler's Opening MonologueWatch Flight Attendant Star and EP Kaley Cuoco's Emotional Reaction to...
The HFPA spent time during the annual event to address the lack of diversity in its ranks. The moment was spurred by #TimesUpGlobes, a social media campaign that criticized the fact that not one of HFPA’s 87 members are Black.
More from TVLineRatings: Golden Globes Take Expected Plunge With Virtual BroadcastGolden Globes 2021: Grade Tina Fey and Amy Poehler's Opening MonologueWatch Flight Attendant Star and EP Kaley Cuoco's Emotional Reaction to...
- 3/1/2021
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which hosts the Golden Globes, took time during Sunday night’s ceremony to address concerns over its lack of Black members. A scathing Los Angeles Times exposé last weekend ignited fury over the organization’s practices, and prompted the HFPA to deal with the situation up front during the telecast.
During a live presentation in the ceremony, HFPA vice president Helen Hoehne said, “We celebrate the work of artists from around the globe. We recognize we have our own work to do. Black representation is vital. We must have Black journalists in our organization.”
Former HFPA president Meher Tatna said, “Everyone from all underrepresented communities [should] get a seat at our table, and we are going to make that happen.”
HFPA president Ali Sar said the organization needs to “create an environment where a diverse membership is the norm, not the exception.”
Earlier in the evening,...
During a live presentation in the ceremony, HFPA vice president Helen Hoehne said, “We celebrate the work of artists from around the globe. We recognize we have our own work to do. Black representation is vital. We must have Black journalists in our organization.”
Former HFPA president Meher Tatna said, “Everyone from all underrepresented communities [should] get a seat at our table, and we are going to make that happen.”
HFPA president Ali Sar said the organization needs to “create an environment where a diverse membership is the norm, not the exception.”
Earlier in the evening,...
- 3/1/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
During the opening monologue of the 2021 Golden Globes, Tina Fey wasted no time calling out the lack of diversity in the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the organization behind the awards show.
Fey explained that the group is made up of “90 international — no Black — journalists who attend movie junkets each year in search of a better life.” Her joke came on the heels of a Los Angeles Times report from earlier this week that pointed out that the 87-member HFPA doesn’t have a single Black member.
Towards the end of the opening, Fey’s co-host, Amy Poehler, said, “a number of Black actors and Black-led projects were overlooked” this year. Fey added, “Inclusivity is important and there are no Black members of the HFPA. I realize you might not have gotten the memo because your office is the back booth of a French McDonald’s, but you gotta change that. So here’s to changing that.
Fey explained that the group is made up of “90 international — no Black — journalists who attend movie junkets each year in search of a better life.” Her joke came on the heels of a Los Angeles Times report from earlier this week that pointed out that the 87-member HFPA doesn’t have a single Black member.
Towards the end of the opening, Fey’s co-host, Amy Poehler, said, “a number of Black actors and Black-led projects were overlooked” this year. Fey added, “Inclusivity is important and there are no Black members of the HFPA. I realize you might not have gotten the memo because your office is the back booth of a French McDonald’s, but you gotta change that. So here’s to changing that.
- 3/1/2021
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Spike Lee issued a statement to Variety reacting to the lack of Black voters in the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the organization of international journalists who decide the nominations and winners for the Golden Globes. The HFPA has been under fire this week after it was revealed not a single one of the 87 Hollywood correspondents that make up the group is Black. HFPA board chair Meher Tatna told Variety the organization has not had any Black members in at least 20 years. Lee, who was left out of the Best Director race at the 2021 Globes with “Da 5 Bloods,” channeled “Do the Right Thing” by urging the HFPA to “put some sistas and brothers up on that wall.”
“The Hollywood Foreign Press clearly has much werk to do,” Lee wrote in a statement to Variety. “However, it’s been a joy to watch our children Satchel and Jackson serve as...
“The Hollywood Foreign Press clearly has much werk to do,” Lee wrote in a statement to Variety. “However, it’s been a joy to watch our children Satchel and Jackson serve as...
- 3/1/2021
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has come under fire after a Los Angeles Times investigation uncovered that the organization does not include a single Black journalist among its 87 members. Presenters like Sterling K. Brown and Ava DuVernay, with nominees like Viola Davis, spoke out in protest with the hashtag #TIMESUPGlobes trending on social media.
The LA Times reported on Saturday that during a Zoom roundtable with Jane Fonda, recipient of this year’s Cecil B. DeMille Award, the actress told HFPA members, “we need to help you get more Black members,” as one member tried to offer a weak defense. In an article from The Hollywood Reporter, a columnist wrote about an interaction with an HFPA member in which they were trying to be recruited to join. This seems to send the message: “Black journalists apply, White journalists invited.”
In an interview with Variety last week, former HFPA president and board chair Meher Tatna,...
The LA Times reported on Saturday that during a Zoom roundtable with Jane Fonda, recipient of this year’s Cecil B. DeMille Award, the actress told HFPA members, “we need to help you get more Black members,” as one member tried to offer a weak defense. In an article from The Hollywood Reporter, a columnist wrote about an interaction with an HFPA member in which they were trying to be recruited to join. This seems to send the message: “Black journalists apply, White journalists invited.”
In an interview with Variety last week, former HFPA president and board chair Meher Tatna,...
- 3/1/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
During the virtual 2021 Golden Globes ceremony, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association made the most cursory of acknowledgements to the mounting backlash over its lack of diversity.
Three HFPA members stood socially distanced onstage to address the revelation in a Los Angeles Times investigative report last week that there are no Black journalists among its 87-person membership.”
We recognize we have our own work to do,” said Helen Hoehne of Germany. “Just like in film and television, Black representation is vital. We must have Black journalists in our organization.”
Former HFPA president Meher Tatna of India agreed. “...
Three HFPA members stood socially distanced onstage to address the revelation in a Los Angeles Times investigative report last week that there are no Black journalists among its 87-person membership.”
We recognize we have our own work to do,” said Helen Hoehne of Germany. “Just like in film and television, Black representation is vital. We must have Black journalists in our organization.”
Former HFPA president Meher Tatna of India agreed. “...
- 2/28/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
During the virtual 2021 Golden Globes ceremony, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association made the most cursory of acknowledgements to the mounting backlash over its lack of diversity.
Three HFPA members stood socially distanced onstage to address the revelation in a Los Angeles Times investigative report last week that there are no Black journalists among its 87-person membership.”
We recognize we have our own work to do,” said Helen Hoehne of Germany. “Just like in film and television, Black representation is vital. We must have Black journalists in our organization.”
Former HFPA president Meher Tatna of India agreed. “...
Three HFPA members stood socially distanced onstage to address the revelation in a Los Angeles Times investigative report last week that there are no Black journalists among its 87-person membership.”
We recognize we have our own work to do,” said Helen Hoehne of Germany. “Just like in film and television, Black representation is vital. We must have Black journalists in our organization.”
Former HFPA president Meher Tatna of India agreed. “...
- 2/28/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The Crown dominates TV category.
Nomadland won best drama at the 78th Golden Globes on Sunday (February 28), capping off a solid night for the Searchlight Pictures film after Chloe Zhao became only the second woman to win a directing Globe nearly 40 years after Barbra Streisand did so for Yentl in 1984.
Zhao’s best director win for Nomadland delivered a significant milestone and positions her and her film as Oscar frontrunners.
She was one of three women in contention for the award alongside Regina King (One Night In Miami) and Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman), marking the first time more than...
Nomadland won best drama at the 78th Golden Globes on Sunday (February 28), capping off a solid night for the Searchlight Pictures film after Chloe Zhao became only the second woman to win a directing Globe nearly 40 years after Barbra Streisand did so for Yentl in 1984.
Zhao’s best director win for Nomadland delivered a significant milestone and positions her and her film as Oscar frontrunners.
She was one of three women in contention for the award alongside Regina King (One Night In Miami) and Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman), marking the first time more than...
- 2/28/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Stars like Sterling K. Brown, Amber Tamblyn and Ellen Pompeo are speaking up about the lack of diversity in the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s ranks, namely the fact that the organization does not currently have a single Black member.
This wave of criticism comes ahead of Sunday’s 78th Annual Golden Globes ceremony. HFPA board chair Meher Tatna told Variety Friday that the organization of international journalists has not had any Black members in at least 20 years.
On Friday afternoon, #TimesUp posted an image of a cracked Golden Globe statue to social media, featuring the message, “Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Not a single Black member out of 87.” The organization captioned the post, “A cosmetic fix isn’t enough,” and the added hashtag “#TimesUpGlobes.”
Kerry Washington, Jurnee Smollett, Amy Schumer, Sean Hayes, Simon Pegg, DeVon Franklin, America Ferrera, Mark Duplass, Courtney Kemp, Tom Verica, Busy Phillips, Dakota Johnson, Patton Oswalt,...
This wave of criticism comes ahead of Sunday’s 78th Annual Golden Globes ceremony. HFPA board chair Meher Tatna told Variety Friday that the organization of international journalists has not had any Black members in at least 20 years.
On Friday afternoon, #TimesUp posted an image of a cracked Golden Globe statue to social media, featuring the message, “Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Not a single Black member out of 87.” The organization captioned the post, “A cosmetic fix isn’t enough,” and the added hashtag “#TimesUpGlobes.”
Kerry Washington, Jurnee Smollett, Amy Schumer, Sean Hayes, Simon Pegg, DeVon Franklin, America Ferrera, Mark Duplass, Courtney Kemp, Tom Verica, Busy Phillips, Dakota Johnson, Patton Oswalt,...
- 2/27/2021
- by Angelique Jackson and Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
The Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. is gearing up for its annual Golden Globes this Sunday and responding to criticism for failing to cultivate an inclusive and diverse membership body. The group doesn’t currently have any Black journalists among its 87-person membership. In fact, the organization hadn’t had a Black member since at least 2002, when former HFPA president and board chair Meher Tatna joined.
In an interview for Variety‘s talk with the heads of the big four awards bodies — Oscars, Globes, SAG and BAFTA — Tatna addressed the criticism. “As a person of color, it’s important to me,” says Tatna. “It’s just there are nuances, as an organization of immigrants, who write for our home country, that search [for international Black journalists] has not been easy, but that doesn’t mean we will give up. We will keep trying, and we will be part of the solution.”
When asked about the last Black HFPA member,...
In an interview for Variety‘s talk with the heads of the big four awards bodies — Oscars, Globes, SAG and BAFTA — Tatna addressed the criticism. “As a person of color, it’s important to me,” says Tatna. “It’s just there are nuances, as an organization of immigrants, who write for our home country, that search [for international Black journalists] has not been easy, but that doesn’t mean we will give up. We will keep trying, and we will be part of the solution.”
When asked about the last Black HFPA member,...
- 2/27/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
In January 2016, the hashtag that changed the awards landscape — #OscarsSoWhite — forced the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences to evaluate not only their membership but the way Hollywood makes movies. Then came 2020, the year that tested the Hollywood industry from business operations to simple creative expressions. The mood among commenters on social media responses to analysis articles and predictions is often “Hollywood giving itself awards is not what this country needs” and/or “movies, what movies?”
Variety interviewed the heads and leaders of the four most important award shows: the Oscars, SAG, BAFTA and Golden Globes to see where their organizations are in regard to bringing diversity to their organizations and work there still is to be done. David Rubin, President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris, Krishnendu Majumdar, Chair of BAFTA, Marc Samuelson, Chair of the Film Committee at BAFTA and Meher Tatna,...
Variety interviewed the heads and leaders of the four most important award shows: the Oscars, SAG, BAFTA and Golden Globes to see where their organizations are in regard to bringing diversity to their organizations and work there still is to be done. David Rubin, President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris, Krishnendu Majumdar, Chair of BAFTA, Marc Samuelson, Chair of the Film Committee at BAFTA and Meher Tatna,...
- 2/26/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Just two days ahead of the Golden Globe Awards, the Time’s Up organization on Friday launched a #TimesUpGlobes protest campaign over the lack of diversity in the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which hands out the honors.
“Hollywood Foreign Press Association: Not a Single Member Out of 87” reads the messaging of the group, which Time’s Up encouraged Hollywood figures to share on their social platforms.
The group singled out recent reports by the Los Angeles Times and New York Times questioning the credibility of the organization, including the fact the 87-member group doesn’t have a single Black member.
Soon, top Hollywood figures such as Judd Apatow, Ava DuVernay and Shonda Rhimes were weighing in.
So many crazy things about the @goldenglobes and the Hollywood Foreign press but this is awful. #timesupglobes pic.twitter.com/C5PYs5zFRr
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) February 26, 2021
Old news. New energy. #TimesUpGlobes pic.twitter.com...
“Hollywood Foreign Press Association: Not a Single Member Out of 87” reads the messaging of the group, which Time’s Up encouraged Hollywood figures to share on their social platforms.
The group singled out recent reports by the Los Angeles Times and New York Times questioning the credibility of the organization, including the fact the 87-member group doesn’t have a single Black member.
Soon, top Hollywood figures such as Judd Apatow, Ava DuVernay and Shonda Rhimes were weighing in.
So many crazy things about the @goldenglobes and the Hollywood Foreign press but this is awful. #timesupglobes pic.twitter.com/C5PYs5zFRr
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) February 26, 2021
Old news. New energy. #TimesUpGlobes pic.twitter.com...
- 2/26/2021
- by Diane Haithman
- The Wrap
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) was able to have an antitrust suit filed by Norwegian journalist Kjersti Flaa, who accused the organization behind the Golden Globe Awards of antitrust violations and a “culture of corruption” that unlawfully denied her membership despite fulfilling all the requirements for admission, thrown out.
The defendants, which include members Aud Berggren Morisse, Tina Johnk Christensen, Aniko Skorka Navai and Meher Tatna, filed a motion to dismiss the original August filing by Flaa, which the court granted on Nov. 20, according to filings obtained by TheWrap.
“Plaintiff’s right of fair procedure claim and declaratory relief claim are Dismissed without leave to amend,” Judge Stanley Blumenfeld wrote in the dismissal. “Plaintiff’s antitrust claims are Dismissed with leave to amend. Plaintiff may file an amended complaint within fourteen (14) days of this order.”
In a statement to TheWrap, Flaa’s lawyer David Quinto said, “we’re obviously...
The defendants, which include members Aud Berggren Morisse, Tina Johnk Christensen, Aniko Skorka Navai and Meher Tatna, filed a motion to dismiss the original August filing by Flaa, which the court granted on Nov. 20, according to filings obtained by TheWrap.
“Plaintiff’s right of fair procedure claim and declaratory relief claim are Dismissed without leave to amend,” Judge Stanley Blumenfeld wrote in the dismissal. “Plaintiff’s antitrust claims are Dismissed with leave to amend. Plaintiff may file an amended complaint within fourteen (14) days of this order.”
In a statement to TheWrap, Flaa’s lawyer David Quinto said, “we’re obviously...
- 11/25/2020
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
While much of the world knows the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. (HFPA) for the Golden Globes, the annual kudosfest it puts on, it is equally well known for the money from the television contract is spent on philanthropy. Since 1987, the HFPA has disbursed $44.5 million and that tradition continues this year with $5.2 million given to various organizations and schools that work in and with the entertainment industry.
Though the money was given at a big socially distanced event that was presented online on YouTube on Oct. 13, Meher Tatna, board chair of the HFPA, says since the lockdown in March the org has donated $300,000 in three batches to various institutions.
“A lot of students were in distress, they had to leave their dorm rooms, a lot of them are food insecure so we, the HFPA members, voted to give emergency grants to everyone,” she says.
The average gift was about $20,000, mostly to colleges,...
Though the money was given at a big socially distanced event that was presented online on YouTube on Oct. 13, Meher Tatna, board chair of the HFPA, says since the lockdown in March the org has donated $300,000 in three batches to various institutions.
“A lot of students were in distress, they had to leave their dorm rooms, a lot of them are food insecure so we, the HFPA members, voted to give emergency grants to everyone,” she says.
The average gift was about $20,000, mostly to colleges,...
- 10/14/2020
- by Shalini Dore
- Variety Film + TV
Update, 8:20 Pm: It took the Hollywood Foreign Press Association a few hours to respond to a piercing new antitrust lawsuit filed today that strips back a lot of the inner workings of the group. Yet now the group has and they aren’t playing defense.
“While the HFPA has not yet been served with this complaint, it seems consistent with Ms. Flaa’s ongoing attempts to shake down the HFPA, demanding that the HFPA pay her off and immediately admit her prior to the conclusion of the usual annual election process applied to every other HFPA applicant,” the HFPA said in a statement tonight after Norwegian entertainment journalist Kjersti Flaa took the Golden Globes organizing group to court Monday in a scathing antitrust lawsuit.
“The HFPA has refused to pay ransom, telling Ms. Flaa that membership was not gained through intimidation,” the senior centric 87-member organization added. “Ms. Flaa...
“While the HFPA has not yet been served with this complaint, it seems consistent with Ms. Flaa’s ongoing attempts to shake down the HFPA, demanding that the HFPA pay her off and immediately admit her prior to the conclusion of the usual annual election process applied to every other HFPA applicant,” the HFPA said in a statement tonight after Norwegian entertainment journalist Kjersti Flaa took the Golden Globes organizing group to court Monday in a scathing antitrust lawsuit.
“The HFPA has refused to pay ransom, telling Ms. Flaa that membership was not gained through intimidation,” the senior centric 87-member organization added. “Ms. Flaa...
- 8/4/2020
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Norwegian journalist Kjersti Flaa on Monday sued the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, accusing the organization behind the Golden Globe Awards of antitrust violations and a “culture of corruption” that unlawfully denied her membership despite fulfilling all the requirements for admission.
Flaa, an L.A.-based Norwegian journalist who has represented Norwegian outlets like TV2 and Dagbladet for more than a decade, applied for membership in 2018 and 2019 and was rejected both times.
“The HFPA is so focused on protecting its monopoly position and taxfree benefits that it has adopted Bylaw provisions that exclude from membership all objectively qualified applicants who might possibly compete with an existing member,” according to the suit, filed Monday in U.S. District Court. “There are no standards or guidelines for satisfying the subjective portions of the applications process and rejected applicants have no right to demand either that the applications procedure be fair or that they...
Flaa, an L.A.-based Norwegian journalist who has represented Norwegian outlets like TV2 and Dagbladet for more than a decade, applied for membership in 2018 and 2019 and was rejected both times.
“The HFPA is so focused on protecting its monopoly position and taxfree benefits that it has adopted Bylaw provisions that exclude from membership all objectively qualified applicants who might possibly compete with an existing member,” according to the suit, filed Monday in U.S. District Court. “There are no standards or guidelines for satisfying the subjective portions of the applications process and rejected applicants have no right to demand either that the applications procedure be fair or that they...
- 8/3/2020
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
In today’s film news roundup, Studio Movie Grill hires an industry veteran to handle marketing, the HFPA elects its board, and “Sometimes Always Never” and “Never Too Late” get virtual releases.
Executive Hired
Studio Movie Grill has hired former AMC Entertainment executive Tonya Mangels as head of revenue and marketing for the chain, which operates 353 screens in 10 states.
She will report to CEO Brian Schultz. While at AMC, Mangels was a vice president overseeing brand strategy, studio marketing, loyalty data analytics partnerships, mobile app/kiosk ordering, digital streaming launch and food and beverage marketing.
“We are excited to welcome guests back to enjoying movies on the big screen with the reopening of Smg Theaters starting June 19, ” Schultz said. “Aligning with our vision, we will be donating 10% of all ticket and food and beverage proceeds throughout opening weekend (June 19-21) to support Smg team members at locations nationwide still furloughed...
Executive Hired
Studio Movie Grill has hired former AMC Entertainment executive Tonya Mangels as head of revenue and marketing for the chain, which operates 353 screens in 10 states.
She will report to CEO Brian Schultz. While at AMC, Mangels was a vice president overseeing brand strategy, studio marketing, loyalty data analytics partnerships, mobile app/kiosk ordering, digital streaming launch and food and beverage marketing.
“We are excited to welcome guests back to enjoying movies on the big screen with the reopening of Smg Theaters starting June 19, ” Schultz said. “Aligning with our vision, we will be donating 10% of all ticket and food and beverage proceeds throughout opening weekend (June 19-21) to support Smg team members at locations nationwide still furloughed...
- 6/4/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) announced its Board of Directors for the 2020-2021 term on Wednesday, adding members Helen Hoehne and Kirpi Uimonen Ballesteros to the board.
Meher Tatna (Chair), Luca Celada, Yoram Kahana and Tina Johnk Christensen were re-elected after serving last term. Anke Hoffmann and Diederik van Hoogstraten were replaced.
Barbara de Oliveira Pinto and Kristien Gijbels were announced as the credentials committee. Lorenzo Soria will continue his stint as president of the organization, while Ali Sar, Janet R. Nepales and Ruben V. Nepales will remain in their posts as vice president, treasurer and executive secretary, respectively. Each term is two years.
Also Read: Lorenzo Soria Named President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association
Soria was announced as president last year. For the two years prior, he served as chairman of the board.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association was founded in 1943 by a group of entertainment journalists representing world media.
Meher Tatna (Chair), Luca Celada, Yoram Kahana and Tina Johnk Christensen were re-elected after serving last term. Anke Hoffmann and Diederik van Hoogstraten were replaced.
Barbara de Oliveira Pinto and Kristien Gijbels were announced as the credentials committee. Lorenzo Soria will continue his stint as president of the organization, while Ali Sar, Janet R. Nepales and Ruben V. Nepales will remain in their posts as vice president, treasurer and executive secretary, respectively. Each term is two years.
Also Read: Lorenzo Soria Named President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association
Soria was announced as president last year. For the two years prior, he served as chairman of the board.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association was founded in 1943 by a group of entertainment journalists representing world media.
- 6/3/2020
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the Golden Globes-dispensing organization comprising roughly 90 Los Angeles-based journalists for foreign outlets, has announced its officers and board of directors for the 2020-2021 year.
As the result of a vote held last week, Lorenzo Soria was re-elected president of the HFPA, and Meher Tatna, a past president, was re-elected board chair.
The rest of the board will be comprised of vice president Ali Star, treasurer Janet R. Nepales and executive secretary Ruben V. Nepales, as well as Luca Celada, Helen Hoehne, Yoram Kahana, Kirpi Uimonen Ballesteros and Tina Johnk Christensen (alternate).
The credentials committee will comprised Barbara de Oliveira Pinto and Kristien Gijbels.
As the result of a vote held last week, Lorenzo Soria was re-elected president of the HFPA, and Meher Tatna, a past president, was re-elected board chair.
The rest of the board will be comprised of vice president Ali Star, treasurer Janet R. Nepales and executive secretary Ruben V. Nepales, as well as Luca Celada, Helen Hoehne, Yoram Kahana, Kirpi Uimonen Ballesteros and Tina Johnk Christensen (alternate).
The credentials committee will comprised Barbara de Oliveira Pinto and Kristien Gijbels.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the Golden Globes-dispensing organization comprising roughly 90 Los Angeles-based journalists for foreign outlets, has announced its officers and board of directors for the 2020-2021 year.
As the result of a vote held last week, Lorenzo Soria was re-elected president of the HFPA, and Meher Tatna, a past president, was re-elected board chair.
The rest of the board will be comprised of vice president Ali Star, treasurer Janet R. Nepales and executive secretary Ruben V. Nepales, as well as Luca Celada, Helen Hoehne, Yoram Kahana, Kirpi Uimonen Ballesteros and Tina Johnk Christensen (alternate).
The credentials committee will comprised Barbara de Oliveira Pinto and Kristien Gijbels.
As the result of a vote held last week, Lorenzo Soria was re-elected president of the HFPA, and Meher Tatna, a past president, was re-elected board chair.
The rest of the board will be comprised of vice president Ali Star, treasurer Janet R. Nepales and executive secretary Ruben V. Nepales, as well as Luca Celada, Helen Hoehne, Yoram Kahana, Kirpi Uimonen Ballesteros and Tina Johnk Christensen (alternate).
The credentials committee will comprised Barbara de Oliveira Pinto and Kristien Gijbels.
The nominees for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards are in the books, with all the contenders that have been selected by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association to compete at next month’s awards show announced bright and early Monday.
On the film side, the top honor, Best Motion Picture – Drama, will come down to “1917,” “The Irishman,” “Joker,” “Marriage Story” and “The Two Popes.” In the musical and comedy category, the nominated films are “Dolemite Is My Name,” “JoJo Rabbit,” “Knives Out,” “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” and “Rocketman.”
As for TV, the best drama series race includes “Big Little Lies,” “The Crown,” “Killing Eve,” “The Morning Show” and “Succession,” and the comedy category is a competition between “Barry,” “Fleabag,” “The Kominsky Method,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “The Politician.”
Also Read: Golden Globes Nominees by the Numbers: Netflix Rules in Both TV and Film
The 2020 Golden Globe Awards,...
On the film side, the top honor, Best Motion Picture – Drama, will come down to “1917,” “The Irishman,” “Joker,” “Marriage Story” and “The Two Popes.” In the musical and comedy category, the nominated films are “Dolemite Is My Name,” “JoJo Rabbit,” “Knives Out,” “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” and “Rocketman.”
As for TV, the best drama series race includes “Big Little Lies,” “The Crown,” “Killing Eve,” “The Morning Show” and “Succession,” and the comedy category is a competition between “Barry,” “Fleabag,” “The Kominsky Method,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “The Politician.”
Also Read: Golden Globes Nominees by the Numbers: Netflix Rules in Both TV and Film
The 2020 Golden Globe Awards,...
- 12/9/2019
- by Tony Maglio and Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
In today’s film news roundup, Andre Caraco and Paul Noble receive promotions at Sony, Stanley Kubrick’s anti-war drama “Paths of Glory” gets restored, Drafthouse Films gets launched and “The Chainsaw Artist” wraps.
Exec Promotions
Sony Pictures has promoted veteran executives Andre Caraco and Paul Noble to the posts of co-presidents of global marketing.
Sony Pictures President of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution Josh Greenstein made the announcement Tuesday.
“As you all know, taking a more global approach to our marketing efforts has been a top priority for some time now, and we wanted Andre and Paul’s titles to more accurately reflect the increasingly collaborative and global scope of their work and oversight,” he said in a staff memo. “Andre and Paul will now partner on all marketing efforts to ensure our campaigns are aligned with our global moviegoing audience.”
Curaco led the studio’s national publicity team from 2006 to 2016. Since then,...
Exec Promotions
Sony Pictures has promoted veteran executives Andre Caraco and Paul Noble to the posts of co-presidents of global marketing.
Sony Pictures President of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution Josh Greenstein made the announcement Tuesday.
“As you all know, taking a more global approach to our marketing efforts has been a top priority for some time now, and we wanted Andre and Paul’s titles to more accurately reflect the increasingly collaborative and global scope of their work and oversight,” he said in a staff memo. “Andre and Paul will now partner on all marketing efforts to ensure our campaigns are aligned with our global moviegoing audience.”
Curaco led the studio’s national publicity team from 2006 to 2016. Since then,...
- 7/3/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Lorenzo Soria will be taking the reins of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, outgoing president Mehar Tatna announced Tuesday.
A longtime member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Soria previously served as the president from 2003 to 2005 and from 2015 to 2017. The news was announced at the organization’s annual election meeting, held in Los Angeles. Soria will once again serve as the organization’s president for the 2019-2020 term.
“It’s a privilege to once again be elected to serve as president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association,” Soria said in a statement. “Together with my peers at the HFPA, I look forward to continuing our organization’s mission of recognizing the best in film and television, ushering in the next generation of storytellers, and staying true to our roots of giving back through our vast philanthropic efforts. I’ve never been prouder of our organization’s future and ready to get to work.
A longtime member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Soria previously served as the president from 2003 to 2005 and from 2015 to 2017. The news was announced at the organization’s annual election meeting, held in Los Angeles. Soria will once again serve as the organization’s president for the 2019-2020 term.
“It’s a privilege to once again be elected to serve as president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association,” Soria said in a statement. “Together with my peers at the HFPA, I look forward to continuing our organization’s mission of recognizing the best in film and television, ushering in the next generation of storytellers, and staying true to our roots of giving back through our vast philanthropic efforts. I’ve never been prouder of our organization’s future and ready to get to work.
- 6/4/2019
- by Tyler Hersko
- Indiewire
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced today that Lorenzo Soria has been elected president of the organization for the 2019-2020 term.
Outgoing president Meher Tatna revealed the news at the HFPA’s annual election meeting.
“It’s a privilege to once again be elected to serve as president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association,” Soria said in a statement. “Together with my peers at the HFPA, I look forward to continuing our organization’s mission of recognizing the best in film and television, ushering in the next generation of storytellers, and staying true to our roots of giving back through our vast philanthropic efforts. I’ve never been prouder of our organization’s future and ready to get to work.”
He previously served as president from 2003 to 2005 as well as 2015 to 2017.
Born in Argentina, but raised in Italy, Soria works for La Stampa. He has been a member of the...
Outgoing president Meher Tatna revealed the news at the HFPA’s annual election meeting.
“It’s a privilege to once again be elected to serve as president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association,” Soria said in a statement. “Together with my peers at the HFPA, I look forward to continuing our organization’s mission of recognizing the best in film and television, ushering in the next generation of storytellers, and staying true to our roots of giving back through our vast philanthropic efforts. I’ve never been prouder of our organization’s future and ready to get to work.”
He previously served as president from 2003 to 2005 as well as 2015 to 2017.
Born in Argentina, but raised in Italy, Soria works for La Stampa. He has been a member of the...
- 6/4/2019
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
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