Is this the end of the Golden Globes? A history of corruption unveiled.

The Golden Globes may go from being the "prelude to the Oscars" to being cancelled completely in 2022. How did it get to this point? Little by little a story of corruption, racism, sexism, and unprofessionalism has been unraveling. There is already at least one Hollywood star who has returned the awards he won. What happened? Are the Golden Globes gone for good or can they be resurrected?

Everything came to a head on Monday, May 11, when NBC announced in a statement that it would no longer broadcast the Golden Globes gala in January 2022. NBC had been producing and broadcasting this gala since 1996 and, at times, it even competed in audience with the Oscars. Now, with the pandemic, the last gala registered a 64% drop in audience share.

NBC's statement didn't end there, as they went on to say that the broadcaster will not show the gala for as long as the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), which is responsible for the Golden Globes awards, does not change its rules.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has been the subject of numerous allegations of corruption, poor diversity, racism and sexism. "We believe the HFPA is committed to remarkable reform, but change of such magnitude takes time and work and the HFPA needs time to get it right. For that reason, NBC will not broadcast the 2022 Golden Globes," the statement read.

"If the organization carries out its plan, we are in a position to broadcast the 2023 gala," they added. That is, they are not closing the doors to their relationship as long as there is redemption and change. But what changes do they require from them, exactly?

It was the Los Angeles Times that uncovered the shady practices of the HFPA, whose reputation has been plummeting for years. They reported many cases of corruption and abuse.

The Los Angeles Times noted dishonest practices among the 86 jurors on the judging panel. Some of the members do not even work in media. Yet, a number of them enjoyed trips and gifts offered by studios and production companies.

The example that the Los Angeles Times gave was 'Emily in Paris': a highly criticised Netflix series which was, despite negative reactions, nominated for Best Comedy in 2021. As it turns out, 30 HFPA members had spent two nights in a luxury hotel in Paris while visiting the sets of the series. Coincidence?

There was zero turnover among the 86 HFPA members, and they obviously carried such a huge, influential power. According to the Los Angeles Times, they were always at the most exclusive and extravagant events.

There is a shocking, complete absence of diversity among the 86 members of the board of the Foreign Press Association. A few days before the 2021 gala, it became widely known that among its members there was not a single person of colour. This came out of the woodwork thanks to the association 'Time's Up', in a letter signed by people like J. J. Abrams (in the image), Kerry Washington and Amy Schumer.

Thus, the HFPA's commitments include increasing the number of members by 20 people. "Board continues to meet with advocacy groups to develop initiatives to fulfil the HFPA’s commitment to add at least 20 new members by August 2021 and increase membership by 50% in 18 months", they also said they would "Interview candidates and engage new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (“DEI”) consultant"

Despite the gesture, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos decided to cut relations with the association on Thursday, May 6, "until there are more significant changes." Netflix was the first major audiovisual operator to take a drastic measure and announce it.

Ava DuVernay, Shonda Rhimes and Reese Whitherspoon have all been among those who have applauded Netflix's bravery for being the first major player to take a clear position on the issue, provoking a wave of support in just a few hours.

The move by Netflix has been joined by more than a hundred advertising, public relations and Amazon agencies, writing a letter to the HFPA association regarding their "discriminatory behaviour, unprofessionalism, dishonesty and alleged financial corruption". Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, says, "We are looking forward to a sincere and meaningful resolution."

And if that wasn't enough, some Hollywood heavyweights have also taken a stand against the Golden Globes. For example, Tom Cruise has returned his three awards for 'Born on the Fourth of July' (1990), 'Jerry Maguire' (1997) and 'Magnolia' (2000).

For his part, Mark Ruffalo has assured not to be "proud or happy to have received the award" at the last ceremony, for his role in "I Know This Much Is True".

And turning to his co-star and friend, Scarlett Johansson, she recently recalled some questions she had been asked by Golden Globes journalists that she stated had bordered on "harassment." The actress was a five-time nominee.

In Hollywood, it seems this blow is definitive and not easily reversible - affecting awards given to actors and production teams since 1944. In fact, experts are now hinting at the Critics Choice Awards, which has become much more respected in recent times, as the real prelude to the Oscars.