by the group’s members. The new employment contract includes a “walk-away” clause, according to a copy reviewed by The Times, which would allow members to terminate their association with the group and receive $225,000 as severance. It is uncertain how many current members may choose to exercise this option.
Eldridge Industries also owns stakes in several other businesses linked to the Globes, including the Penske-owned trade publications the Hollywood Reporter and Variety. The Eldridge portfolio also includes a minority stake in the independent film company A24, whose movies received 10 nominations at the most recent Golden Globes.
Some current and former HFPA members, as well as some in the wider awards ecosystem, have questioned whether the Globes — which have been routinely mocked even from their own stage — will have greater credibility as a for-profit enterprise, particularly given its owner’s potential conflicts of interest. Speaking with The Times last year, one former member who declined to be named for fear of retaliation said the move would “take away the last shred of legitimacy.
Boehly has brushed aside criticisms that Globes employees — unlike, say, members of the film or television academies that who hand out the Oscars and Emmys, respectively — will be essentially paid awards voters. “I wouldn’t call them paid voters,” Boehly told The Times last year, noting that voting would constitute only part of employees’ role in the organization. “I don’t know why a paid journalist can’t also vote on something. Where’s the rule that says that?”In bringing the Globes back, NBC — which has aired the show since 1996 — committed to just a one-year trial. Boehly has spoken of his desire to expand the Globes brand to international markets. Next year’s Globes, the 81st, is slated to air Jan.