The veteran board members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) have recently made a bold move to re-establish the organization, two years after the Golden Globe Awards and other assets were acquired by Dick Clark Productions and Todd Boehly’s Eldridge holding company. This decision comes after a dispute between some HFPA members and the new owners of the Globes, with accusations of unfulfilled promises and commitments made during the acquisition.
The HFPA board members gathered for a vote to revive the organization, which was believed to have been dissolved following the 2023 transaction. Helen Hoehne, the former president of HFPA, is now leading the for-profit Golden Globes LLC under the ownership of Dick Clark Productions. The legacy members of HFPA have raised concerns about the new owners reneging on promises such as air travel allowances, guaranteed tickets to the awards show, and financial compensation for their voting services.
One of the commitments made in 2023 was a financial offer of either a one-time buyout or a five-year salary plan for members. However, in a surprising turn of events, the Golden Globes announced the elimination of the annual salaries, offering a one-time severance instead. This decision has led to mediation talks between members and the Globes representatives over the severance figure.
The 2023 transaction came amid controversy surrounding the HFPA’s practices and lack of diversity among its members, leading to NBC’s decision to not air the 2022 Golden Globe Awards. The tension between the HFPA members and the new owners has prompted requests for documents and verifications from the California Attorney General’s office, causing delays in the final signoff for the dissolution of the HFPA.
Despite the challenges, the HFPA members are determined to revisit and potentially unravel the 2023 transaction with the help of attorney Reynolds Cafferata. The decision to revive the organization through a vote on June 30 has already led to the resignation of at least two board members, citing breach of fiduciary duty and legal concerns.
The future of the HFPA remains uncertain as the members navigate through legal battles and internal conflicts. The attempt to reverse the 2023 deal and reinstate memberships has sparked controversy within the organization, highlighting the complex dynamics at play. As the story unfolds, the fate of the HFPA and its role in the entertainment industry hangs in the balance.
