What Happened to Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA)?

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), a non-profit organization of foreign journalists, was the long-standing body responsible for the Golden Globe Awards since its inception in 1943. In early 2021, a Los Angeles Times exposé revealed significant issues, including a complete absence of Black members among its then-87 members, allegations of financial impropriety, and questionable ethical practices. This sparked widespread condemnation from Hollywood, leading to boycotts by major studios like Netflix, Amazon, and WarnerMedia. NBC, the long-time broadcaster, announced it would not air the 2022 Golden Globe Awards, citing the need for "meaningful reform" within the HFPA.

The controversies exposed deep-seated issues within the HFPA's structure and operations, including a lack of transparency, a small and insular membership, and perceived conflicts of interest. The intense public and industry backlash created immense pressure for the organization to undergo significant changes. In May 2021, the HFPA announced a reform plan, including increasing membership diversity and establishing an oversight board, but it was largely deemed insufficient by many industry stakeholders. In July 2022, the HFPA approved a major restructuring plan proposed by interim CEO Todd Boehly, which would transition the Golden Globes into a for-profit entity.

On June 12, 2023, Dick Clark Productions (DCP) and Eldridge Industries officially acquired all Golden Globes assets from the HFPA, leading to the HFPA's formal dissolution and the wind-down of its membership. The philanthropic activities of the HFPA were spun off into a newly formed non-profit, the Golden Globe Foundation. This acquisition transformed the Golden Globe Awards from being run by a non-profit association of journalists into a commercial enterprise. The voting body for the Golden Globes was subsequently expanded and diversified.

The consequences of these events included the complete cessation of the HFPA as a member-led organization and a period of uncertainty for the Golden Globe Awards, which saw reduced viewership upon its return to broadcast television. The 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards were successfully held on January 11, 2026, airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. However, the saga is not over. In February 2025, former HFPA members were informed they would no longer receive a yearly $75,000 payment. More significantly, in July 2026, a group identifying as the Hollywood Foreign Press Association filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against Jay Penske and Penske Media (parent company of DCP), alleging fraud and monopolistic practices in the 2023 acquisition. This lawsuit seeks $150 million in damages and to unwind the 2023 sale, indicating a complex and ongoing legal battle over the legacy and ownership of the Golden Globes. Despite the legal challenges, the Golden Globes organization, under its new ownership, continues to plan for future events, including the 84th Annual Golden Globes and an inaugural "Golden Globes Silk Road Tribute Gala" in Uzbekistan for October 2026.