Golden Globes HFPA Dispute Sparks Attempt to Revive Association

Veteran board members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) are seeking to revive the organization two years after the sale of the Golden Globe Awards. The attempted revival stems from ongoing disputes with Dick Clark Productions and Eldridge, the current owners of the Golden Globes.

What Happened to the HFPA?

In 2023, the nonprofit HFPA sold its assets, including the Golden Globes, to the for-profit entity Golden Globes LLC. At the time, Helen Hoehne, then HFPA president, became president of the new entity. Dick Clark Productions, which had long produced the Globes, formalized its control over the broadcast rights. The HFPA was believed to be dissolved after the transaction.

HFPA Revival and Member Frustrations

Legacy members of the HFPA are now attempting to revive the organization, citing unfulfilled commitments from the 2023 deal. These include promised benefits like annual travel stipends, guaranteed award show tickets, and a choice between a $250,000 buyout or $75,000 yearly voter compensation.

In February 2025, the Golden Globes abruptly ended the voter salary program, instead offering a one-time $102,500 severance. A spokesperson for the Globes said the change was made to avoid the appearance of bias in voting. Despite the offer, many members have entered mediation over the severance figure, claiming contractual obligations were not fully met.

Board Resignations and Legal Concerns

The June 30 vote to revive the HFPA triggered the resignation of at least two board members, including Dr. Joanna Massey and Jeff Harris. Massey criticized the move as a breach of fiduciary duty and emphasized that the original sale had been executed with full transparency. In a memo to the board, she noted that Hollywood would not support the Globes as long as HFPA members were publicly involved.

Why It Matters

The attempted revival of the HFPA comes amid ongoing scrutiny from the California Attorney General’s office. The AG continues to investigate the legality and ethics of the 2023 transaction and its aftermath.

As the Golden Globes attempt to rebuild credibility under CBS and new ownership, the renewed conflict over the HFPA’s future raises questions about nonprofit governance, deal transparency, and the politics of Hollywood awards.

Source: Variety – HFPA Dispute Over Golden Globes Revival