In the past, Golden Globe’s ceremonies, foreign language films, and animated movies have not had the opportunity to compete for the top prizes. However, this will change in the next event after Golden Globe announcing that all international and animated films will be eligible for Best Pictures Prizes.
Golden Globe made this announcement on Wednesday as one of the reforms they have made to ensure transparency and diversity. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association president Ali Sar told FPA that as they reexamined their guidelines and listened to the industry, they decided to incorporate new approaches.
Thus, they will ensure that non-English films and animated films receive the attention they deserve in the upcoming shows. “Language will no longer be a barrier to recognition as the best.” Ali Sar stated. This reform comes after criticism in light of the group’s record. They also tweaked the Foreign Language Category to Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language.
This year, HFPA announced the titles nominated for 2021 Golden Globe’s Best Animated Feature. Sarah Jessica Parker and Taraji Henson announced the films on The Today Show and Golden Globe’s website.
The five titles included Onward (Disney/Pixar) directed by Dan Scanlon, Over the Moon (Netflix, Pearl, Keane Studios) directed by Glen Keane, The Croods: A New Age (DreamWorks/Univ.) directed by Joel Crawford, Wolfwalkers (Cartoon Saloon, Melusine, Apple TV) directed by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart, and Soul (Disney/Pixar) directed by Pete Docter and co-directed by Kemp Power.
While Pixar has had an excellent record at the Golden Globe, this year, it had to face a taut competition from Over the Moon and Wolfwalkers. Nonetheless, Soul (Disney/Pixar) won the Best Animated Feature Award.
The music of Soul also won the Best Original Score category beating other Best Animated Featured nominees. With the new reforms in Golden Globe, such animated films may contend for top accolades in the following shows.
Two years ago, Parasite film won the Best Foreign Language Film, but it was not up for Best Picture-Drama although it went on to win the Oscar. Due to this, most awards-watchers expressed their disappointment as they felt it deserved more.
Parasite was not the only film that went through this. Minari, an immigrant tale shot in Korean and set in Arkansas, could only contend for the Foreign Language category in the 2021 show. It could not compete for best comedy and best drama categories; Globe’s biggest awards.
HFPA stated that the international films and animated films would subsequently be eligible for Best Motion picture, drama, Best Motion pictures, musical, or comedy. Additionally, animated films will have an opportunity to compete for both categories.
The HFPA’s airing partner, NBC, canceled 2022’s ceremony after widespread and vocal criticism as they snub films and TV shows with Black creators. Other organizations such as GLAAD and Time’s Up also slammed some of HFPA’s reforms saying they are not definite.
The organizers in HFPA continue to lay plans to ensure there is diversity, equality, and inclusivity in the group. “We have listened to feedback from our partners around key eligibility changes. These will immediately go into effect, regardless of the next air date of the Golden Globes, demonstrating our commitment to diversity and inclusivity throughout all aspects of our work.” Sar said.
