Golden Globes: “Belfast” and “The Power of the Dog” in the running, uncertainties about the ceremony

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The nominations for the Golden Globes were announced on Monday, but will the winners come for their trophy on January 9? The 79th Annual Hollywood Foreign Press Association Awards are already being boycotted by some movie stars and NBC which will not air it due to accusations of racism and of sexism.

Kenneth Branagh’s “Belfast” and Jane Campion’s “The Power of the Dog” dominated the Golden Globe nominations on Monday, December 13, plunged into turmoil and uncertainty.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), which serves as the jury for the awards, has been facing accusations of racism, sexism and corruption for months. Stars and big studios like Warner Bros, Netflix and Amazon have said they will no longer work with the HFPA until significant changes are implemented.

The Golden Globes ceremony, renowned for its splendor and champagne, traditionally attracts all international stars. But this year, the stars should steer clear of an evening that NBC television has given up on airing anyway. It is still unknown at this stage whether an awards ceremony will be well organized in flesh and blood on January 9, and even if the winners will accept their trophy.

“Whatever happens”

“It is not going to be the same event as usual but we have always said that we will make the nominations and give the awards no matter what,” HFPA President Helen Hoehne told AFP. , during the Beverly Hills nominations announcement early Monday morning alongside surprise guest, rapper Snoop Dogg. “Our awards show has a long history and we just wanted to continue as we always have,” she explains.

“Belfast”, inspired by the Northern Irish childhood of Kenneth Branagh, and “The Power of the Dog”, a dark western signed by New Zealander Jane Campion, lead with seven nominations each for the 79th Golden Globes .

In the flagship category for best dramatic film, we find in particular “Coda” – American adaptation of the French film “La Famille Bélier” -, the space opera “Dune” by Denis Villeneuve and “The Williams Method”, in which Will Smith embodies the father and tennis coach of sisters Venus and Serena Williams.

The remake of “West Side Story” by Steven Spielberg is up for grabs in the category of comedies, musical or not.

On the television side, the series “Succession” is the favorite for the ceremony on January 9, with five nominations.

Uncertain future

The Golden Globes have traditionally opened the film awards season in Hollywood and are considered almost as prestigious as the Oscars in the entertainment industry. But their future now seems uncertain.

More than 100 agents wrote to the HFPA last March asking it to put an end to “discriminatory and unprofessional behavior, ethical breaches and accusations of corruption”.

Amid the scandal, the organization quickly announced a series of reforms, including an unprecedented recruitment of new members to improve the representation of minorities within it.

“We have had rather good feedback on our reforms. We have worked hard and are proud of these reforms but the work is not finished (…). It will take a little more time and we hope that the studios and industry will continue to support us, ”said Helen Hoehne.

Skepticism

So far, however, the HFPA’s reforms have met with more skepticism than praise. Stars Scarlett Johansson and Mark Ruffalo publicly denounced them as insufficient, while Tom Cruise returned his three Golden Globes to the organization in protest.

In the past, the Globes have often been accused of neglecting in their selection of non-white actors and directors who had yet signed memorable performances and works.

This year, three of the artists shortlisted for best actor in a dramatic film are black: Will Smith, Denzel Washington for “The Tragedy of Macbeth” and Mahershala Ali, A Surprise, for a low budget sci-fi film. , “Swan Song”.

Omar Sy nominated

The French Omar Sy was also selected in the category of the best actor for a drama series with “Lupine”, a big international success of Netflix. “Thank you all for this appointment which, whatever the outcome, is so symbolic for me, for us, for so many reasons”, reacted the artist on Twitter.

Rarely honored by the Golden Globes, the directors are represented in the 2022 selection by Jane Campion and Maggie Gyllenhaal (“The Lost Daughter”).

The nominations for the Golden Globes, generally broadcast by the morning shows of the big American channels, very popular and followed, had to be satisfied this year with their YouTube channel, in a great indifference. “Hollywood’s reaction has been collective silence,” the Los Angeles Times summed up Monday morning.

With AFP