The Golden Globes 2021: Controversies, Criticisms, and What They Mean for the Future

Introduction to the Golden Globes

The Golden Globe Awards, organized by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), are an annual awards ceremony that recognizes the best performances and productions in film and television. However, the Golden Globes have often been scrutinized for their lack of diversity and perceived corruption among the voter base. Let's explore some of the criticisms and controversies surrounding the 2021 ceremony and what they mean for the future of the awards show.

Why Do They Exist?

One of the most frequently asked questions about the Golden Globes is why they exist at all. You may wonder why we need yet another set of awards when we already have the Oscars for films and the Emmys for television. The Golden Globes are certainly not voted on by critics, the general public, or the creators of the shows and films. Instead, they are awarded by a small, largely international group of reporters who can be easily influenced. This brings us to the first keyword: Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA).

For instance, years ago, Pia Zadora won for “best newcomer” because her wealthy husband, the host of the group, organized a weekend of parties for the HFPA, while another nominee was informed he couldn't win if he didn't appear, even though he was on location at that time. These examples prove that the Golden Globes are primarily a platform for generating publicity for shows and performers. They answer the question of why they exist: to generate excitement and boost ratings, as illustrated by the second keyword: publicity generator.

The 2021 Controversies

One of the most notable controversies surrounding the 2021 Golden Globes was the decision to nominate "Emily in Paris," a show that many critics believed was not as worthy of recognition as the winner, Michaela Coel's "May Destroy You." Another significant controversy was the nomination of a performance by a drummer's daughter in the music category, which overshadowed other deserving nominations like Kate Bush's work, as evidenced in the recent third keyword: diversity and inclusion issues in the industry.

Technical Quality and Quality of Broadcasting

The technical quality of the broadcast also received criticism. Not only did the hosting duo, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, receive mixed reviews, but the dialogue and overall quality of the show were far from what audiences have come to expect. This, combined with the persistent issues surrounding the lack of diversity and the perception of corruption within the HFPA, has left many questioning the value and prestige of the Golden Globes.

Addressing the Accusations

It's worth noting that the accusations of racism and corruption are not new. In March 1996, Denzel Washington famously said, “You are gonna hold the magazines, take the pictures, and you're gonna win the award.” He won that year, demonstrating how easily these awards can be bought. The HFPA, which is composed of journalists who write about Hollywood and live internationally, has faced criticism due to its lack of transparency and exclusivity. The narrow parameters for membership ensure that only 87 people can vote, making it easy for a small group of people to control the outcomes.

Conclusion

The criticisms and controversies surrounding the 2021 Golden Globes are just the latest in a long line of issues that have plagued the awards show. Whether you think they are a valuable platform for celebrating talent or a shallow, publicity-driven spectacle, it's clear that the HFPA and the Golden Globes need to address these issues to maintain their relevance and credibility. It might even be time to consider alternative award shows that focus on recognitions of true diversity and genuineness in the industry, such as recognizing first responders, hospital employees, or people in the police and military. Until then, the Golden Globes will continue to be a topic of debate and controversy.