The Golden Globes: A Golden Dud?
So there’s no Golden Globes awards presentation tonight. Boo-freakin’-hoo. The world could use one less back-patting, ass-kissing, fake-smiling Hollywood freakfest. (Even if this is the one where half-blitzed actors forget they’re on camera…)
Instead of a full-blown, Dick Clark-produced live TV program, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association will have a press conference-style announcement of the winners, with no media exclusivity, as is the case with news events. (Right now, NBC and E! are in.)
Thanks striking WGA writers! What a refreshing change. Stop the music, cut to the chase and read us the winners. Only one problem: The groups we care about — National Board of Review, Broadcast Film Critics, assorted US critics circles — have already done that, naming their favorites.
Here’s why you should have only moderate interest in the Golden Globes: The Hollywood Foreign Press, the group that determines the winners, is made up of just 92 members. That’s 92 people, voting on an award that’s supposed to be the next best thing to an Oscar. With a group that small, imagine how easy it is to sway opinions, influence with friendship, buy expensive lunches. It’s like the International Olympic Committee.
:: This year’s Golden Globes television production — or lack thereof — created a funny rich-guy rift between Dick Clark Prods. (media owners of the Golden Globes) and NBC. Before the HFP opened up the media coverage, Dick Clark wanted a rights fee from NBC, even though there is no longer an event. Hah! According to Variety, an NBC spokesperson called the request “ridiculous.”
:: 
“Best Musical or Comedy” has five nominees but “Best Drama” has seven. Hey, HFP, let’s see you stop returning favors to your favorite producers and filmmakers and narrow the dramas down to five. I’m sure the power of Oprah Winfrey and the Weinsteins has nothing to do with a Best Picture nomination for The Great Debaters.
Why doesn’t that logic follow for Best Animated Feature? You only have three nominations and, hell, most kids can name six. Bee Movie?!
:: Something tells me the following nominations were set before the voters actually saw the movies: Tom Hanks, Charlie Wilson’s War; Cate Blanchett, Elizabeth: The Golden Age; anything for Atonement.
:: Finally, to our friends at the Hollywood Foreign Press: your TV nominations are always interesting, but how much U.S. TV do you actually watch?…
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- 2008 Razzie Award Nominations
- No Awards Disappointment for “No Country for Old Men”
- GOLDEN GLOBES: Winners and Shoulda Wons
- JOHN ADAMS Leads an Emmy Revolution
- Early “Golden Compass” Reviews: Bad News
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