HFPA Members Move to Revive the Organization Amid Disputes

The veteran board members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) are making moves to re-establish the organization, following a dispute with the new owners of the Golden Globe Awards. Two years ago, Dick Clark Productions and Todd Boehly’s Eldridge holding company acquired the Globes and other assets of the HFPA. This acquisition led to the dissolution of the nonprofit HFPA, with Helen Hoehne now serving as the president of the for-profit Golden Globes LLC.

There have been allegations from HFPA legacy members that the new owners have not fulfilled their promises made during the acquisition. These promises included air travel allowances, guaranteed tickets to the annual awards show, and financial compensation options for members. The decision to eliminate the $75,000 annual salaries for members in favor of a one-time severance package has caused further frustration among the HFPA members.

The controversy surrounding the HFPA has been ongoing, with concerns raised about the lack of diversity in membership and the organization’s practices. The fallout from these issues led to NBC withdrawing from airing the 2022 Golden Globe Awards ceremony. The subsequent acquisition of the awards show by CBS has also faced scrutiny.

The delay in the California state Attorney General’s office giving final approval for the dissolution of the HFPA has allowed the members to vote on re-establishing the organization. The state has set conditions for the creation of a new Golden Globes Foundation nonprofit to take over the assets held by the HFPA’s charitable trust.

HFPA members have retained legal representation as they seek to revisit the 2023 transaction with DCP and Eldridge. The resignation of board members following the decision to revive the organization indicates a divide within the HFPA. Dr. Joanna Massey, a veteran in the industry, resigned citing a breach of fiduciary duty.

The future of the HFPA remains uncertain as members continue to navigate the fallout from the acquisition and strive to uphold the organization’s integrity and mission. The ongoing dispute underscores the complexities of managing a prestigious awards show in an industry rife with challenges and controversies.