Hollywood Foreign Press Association Brings New Members On Board

 This year has been tough on the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Since February, we’ve seen the HFPA undertake near-complete reform. This comes only after pressure from Golden Globes broadcaster, NBC, alongside other interested parties including Amazon, Netflix, and Warner Media. The issue? The organization has been accused of being anachronistic and severely lacking in diversity, with not one black journalist on the roll at the time. The issue reached a head when NBC canceled the 2022 Golden Globes in order to allow the HFPA time to reform. Brandon Blake, entertainment lawyer, examines the new reformations for us. 

Brandon Blake- The Entertainment Lawyer

The enforced reformation hasn’t been without protests, of course. Primarily around the fact that all members had to reapply under new, strict criteria, including proof of active employment. This reapplication will need to happen every year, too. Rejected applicants have been promised copious support and mentorship to help them move towards the next year’s round of acceptances. Other changes include a broadening of acceptable geographical residence, and the removal of the requirement to work for print publications. 

With a new (and diverse) recruiting committee now actively allowing new membership, we see 21 new members added to the fold, including 6 journalists of color. This brings the current HFPA membership to 57.1% female, 17.1% Asian, 11.4% Latin, and 5.7% black.

New members can immediately participate in all activities, including various votes. There’s also diverse representation through all levels in the organization. A new Board of Directors and extensive changes to the governance structure have also been made, including the introduction of a code of conduct and mandatory harassment training.  

With greater accountability also promised, and the move to onboard new members every year, this is a major shift towards a reform of this notable Hollywood institution. Will these massive and broad-reaching changes set the organization on a new path to success or is this the beginning of the end? Only time will tell.