We know that the Oscars are supported by the International Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (right?). But what about the upcoming Golden Globes? Most people are not aware that the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) is the organization that makes the awards possible. Both the Oscar and Golden Globe award organizations exist to promote film making and acting, in part by providing scholarships to students who demonstrate excellence in their pursuit of a career in the movies. Here, we will focus on the Golden Globes and a few interesting facts about their history.
That oft quoted and at times questionable British newspaper, The Daily Mail, was responsible for moving the HFPA from an idea to a reality.
The starting point was 1943, shortly after the America entered the war. Though the film industry was still in its infancy, people from all over the world were looking for a diversion from the constant onslaught of news about the war. The group included as many films and people from all over the world that would represent the best foreign film efforts.
Their motto was, “Unity Without Discrimination of Religion or Race.”
Given this was 1943, this is a remarkable idea. One reason that seems odd today is filmmakers did not initially consider the fact that there were actually foreign films being made that were worthy of consideration. The idea of unity (United States) was thought to be largely limited to American/Western ideals. As time passed, that inclusive motto gave it more international credibility as an organization.
There is a Mr. or Ms. Golden Globe selected each year.
The candidates must have a biological connection to Hollywood. Recent honorees include Laura Dern, who is the daughter of Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern, and Corinne Foxx, daughter of Jamie Foxx. 2017 saw three honorees selected in a single year for the first time. Sophia, Sistine, and Scarlet Stallone, all daughters of Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin, were awarded the honor. Their ages: Sophia is 19, Sistine 17, and Scarlet, 14.
It is a non-profit organization that raises money to give to charity.
Throughout its 29 year history it has raised an average of $1 million a year for charity, with 2017 coming in at $2 million. That number included scholarships and donations to entertainment focused charities. Like the Academy, one of its major goals is to recognize and promote innovation and excellence in film making and seeks sponsors who will defray the costs of broadcasting the show.
The Golden Globes are in the top three most watched international awards shows on broadcast television.
The 2017 show reported 20 million viewers, an increase of nearly 2 million from the previous year despite the poor reviews Jimmy Fallon got as host of the show. Perhaps one reason for this increase is many movies that are awarded Golden Globes are ignored by the Academy Awards panel. Remember their motto.
Some people see the Golden Globes as a more accurate representation of the world’s best movies because members are internationally active and interview more than 400 actors, directors, writers, and producers, and seeing more than 300 films prior to the final decision making process. For Americans, the Oscar is the golden standard for film making and acting excellence, but internationally the Golden Globes may actually have more meaning.
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