HFPA Members Oust President Amid Discontent Over For-Profit Shift, Seek Return to Original Structure

Hollywood Foreign Press Association Leadership Turmoil Deepens

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the embattled organization historically synonymous with the Golden Globe Awards, is facing renewed internal upheaval. In a significant move reflecting deep discontent among its ranks, 55 members of the HFPA voted last week to remove the organization’s president, signaling a determined push to redefine its future direction.

This latest development comes as the HFPA grapples with the fallout from recent controversies and a subsequent operational overhaul that saw its core asset, the Golden Globes, acquired by new ownership. The vote highlights the ongoing struggle within the group to navigate its transformation from a non-profit entity into a for-profit limited liability company (LLC).

Background to Turmoil and Transformation

The HFPA has been mired in significant challenges in recent years, beginning with controversies that escalated in the early 2020s. These issues, centered around accusations of ethical lapses and lack of diversity, led to unprecedented scrutiny and a major crisis of confidence within the entertainment industry.

The repercussions were severe. The controversy ultimately resulted in the cancellation of the Golden Globes for one year, a stark blow to the organization’s prominence and financial stability. In the wake of this crisis, the HFPA undertook a substantial operational overhaul, implementing reforms aimed at addressing past shortcomings and restoring its reputation.

The Transition to For-Profit and New Ownership

As part of the strategic response to the controversies and the need for financial restructuring, the HFPA underwent a fundamental shift in its legal and operational status. The organization transitioned into a for-profit LLC, a move intended to provide a new framework for its activities and assets.

Crucially, during this period of transition, the ownership of the prestigious Golden Globe Awards was transferred. Dick Clark Productions purchased the Golden Globes, taking over the production and broadcast rights, effectively separating the awards ceremony itself from the direct operational control of the original HFPA membership in its new for-profit structure.

Member Discontent Peaks Over Financial Arrangements

The transition to a for-profit model included proposals for compensating the long-standing members of the association. Initially, members were presented with offers that included a choice between a $250,000 buyout or a five-year salary of $75,000 per year. These proposals were intended to provide financial recognition to members as the organization restructured and its relationship with the Golden Globes evolved under the new ownership.

However, these arrangements became a significant point of contention. According to reports, the promised financial terms were altered. Specifically, the salaries for members were cancelled in February, a decision that reportedly blindsided and angered many within the group. This abrupt change in compensation triggered considerable discontent among the HFPA members, fueling frustration over the direction and management of the organization under the new for-profit structure.

The Crucial Vote and Aspirations for the Future

The culmination of this rising discontent manifested in last week’s internal vote. A decisive majority of members — specifically, 55 HFPA members — cast their ballots in favor of removing the current president. This action represents a clear mandate from a significant portion of the membership for a change in leadership and strategy.

The members who voted for the president’s removal are now reportedly working towards a specific goal: re-establishing the organization under its original structure. This suggests a desire among this faction to revert to a model closer to the HFPA’s roots as a non-profit collective of international journalists, potentially challenging or redefining the current for-profit LLC framework.

Implications and Outlook

The removal of the president and the stated objective of returning to the original structure introduce further uncertainty into the future of the HFPA. While Dick Clark Productions now owns and operates the Golden Globes, the HFPA retains a historical connection and its members still hold influence, albeit diminished, within the Hollywood ecosystem.

The push to revert to a non-profit or similar structure raises questions about the feasibility and legal implications of such a move, particularly given the recent sale of the Golden Globes and the establishment of the for-profit entity. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining whether the 55 members can successfully navigate the complexities of their current situation and achieve their stated goal of fundamentally altering the organization’s trajectory once again.