The Television Academy and Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) are enforcing changes as a result of the novel coronavirus crisis. HFPA announced on Thursday that it is, for a limited time only, modifying its qualifications rules for the Golden Globe Awards as screening rooms and movie theaters across the country have been forced to close, no thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The New – but Temporary – HFPA Guidelines
Under the new rules, motion pictures will no longer be screened for HFPA members. A statement released by the HFPA reads: “In light of the closure of all screening rooms and movie theaters in Los Angeles, the requirement that a motion picture release must be screened for HFPA members in a screening room or theater is temporarily suspended.”
Film Distributors to Meet Timing Requirements
Film distributors, however, must still meet up with the timing requirements stipulated by the eligibility rules of the Golden Globes. Under these rules, members must be able to screen English-language motion pictures not more than one week after the release in Los Angeles.
Instead of in-person screenings, the film distributors are expected to provide all HFPA members with a DVD copy of the motion picture or screening links so that these members will be able to view it at home.
The Eligibility Rules Before Now
Before now, the eligibility guidelines stipulate that films had to be on pay-per-view cable or theaters or pay-per-view digital delivery – i.e. not digital delivery or subscription cable – in the greater Los Angeles area for at least 7 days before midnight on December 31 of the qualifying year.
But under the temporary rules, motion pictures now need only to have a bona fide theatrical release planning to begin in Los Angeles in order to be deemed eligible.
The modified temporary rules come into effect from March 15 until April 30, 2020. However, HFPA has stated that it will continue to monitor the coronavirus pandemic and therefore reserves the right to extend the dates.
Amy Poehler and Tina Fey Set to Return as Co-Hosts
Amy Poehler and Tina Fey are making a comeback as co-hosts for the Golden Globes event in the 2021 telecast. The date, however, has not been announced yet.
The Emmy Awards Season
The Television Academy on Friday announced changes were going to be implemented for the 72nd Emmy Awards season in light of the novel virus.
These updates include an amended Emmy voting calendar, adjustment of the hanging episode rule for both series and limited series as well as suspension of “For Your Consideration” industry events.
Owing to programming and production delays, the Television Academy has, therefore, extended the eligibility date for “hanging episodes” from May 31 to June 30.
Revised Emmy Awards Calendar
The revised Emmy Awards calendar is as follows:
- June 5:
- July 2: Entry deadline
- July 13: Nominations-round voting begins
- July 28: Nominations announced
- August 21: Final-round voting begins
- August 31: Final-round voting ends
There are presently no plans to delay or cancel the September 12 and 13 Creative Arts Emmy or the September 20 Emmy telecast events.
