Who really gives out the Golden Globes? A tiny group full of quirky characters — and no Black members

When Hollywood stars deliver acceptance speeches at next Sunday’s virtual 78th Golden Globe Awards ceremony, they will no doubt make certain to thank the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn., the tiny group of international journalists that doles out the coveted trophies. An HFPA representative said the association does not “regulate where members work or restrict their ability to earn a living.” While the HFPA’s ranks include a number of people of color, there are no Black members, a fact a representative says the group is aware of and is “committed to addressing.” The organization drew widespread criticism for this year’s slate of nominations, which did not include any of this year’s Black-led potential Oscar best picture contenders, including “Da 5 Bloods,” “Judas and the Black Messiah” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” among its finalists for the group’s top film prize. However, in his 2014 memoir, former President Philip Berk acknowledged, “Our territorial protectionism was indeed carried to the extreme.” An HFPA representative said Berk’s views do not reflect those of the organization and that the group “welcomes any and all new members who share the mission of bringing cultural understanding through film and TV.” Rejected applicants and current members both claim that well-credentialed foreign journalists have been turned away from the group out of concern that they would encroach on members’ professional turf. Foreign entertainment journalists who have attempted to join the HFPA, in some cases multiple times, described concerted efforts by existing members to block prospects who might compete with them, subjecting them, according to Flaa’s suit, to “character assassination attacks and dirty smear campaign.” The HFPA said Flaa’s claims are “entirely false,” while acknowledging that the group has at times “undertaken disciplinary actions for such behaviors.” Spanish journalist Rosa Gamazo, who has joined Flaa’s suit, said she tried multiple times to join the group in recent years. I thought they were ridiculous.” “I don’t understand why journalists outside the organization are treated as threats.” — Danish journalist Sara Gerlach Madsen Two years ago, British journalist Gillian Pringle and another foreign journalist sought to “end the tremendous competitive disadvantage non-HFPA members face” by establishing another foreign press association open to all entertainment reporters, according to her declaration in Flaa’s lawsuit.