Undoubtedly, the Golden Globes were a little different this year. The ceremony on Sunday, Jan. 9 did not feature a red carpet or a television broadcast, as originally announced. Actors were not in attendance at the event, as talent bookers were unable to acquire superstars to present the awards as they have in prior years. 

The circumstances surrounding this year’s Globes arose from longstanding criticism of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), particularly the criticism of the organization’s lack of diversity both internally and among award nominees. 

Following a Hollywood boycott last year, NBC decided to remove the ’22 Globes from its broadcast schedule.

In a statement made prior to the ceremony, the HFPA said that “health and safety remain a top priority for the HFPA. There will not be an audience on January 9th, and the following precautions are being taken for select members and grantees who will be in the room: Proof of vaccination and booster shot, along with a negative PCR test within 48 hours, is required for entry; All guests will be masked and socially distanced at all times while inside the ballroom”. 

One of the most drastic changes that was made was that the winners were not announced live, but were instead posted onto the official Golden Globes website. 

Another focal talking point of the events is that the 87-person voting body whose decisions determine who receives Golden Globes had no black members, among other ethical lapses. 

“I see why people are outraged, as it is very unusual for an event of this magnitude to have zero black members in charge of voting on winners”, said junior Isaac Omid. 

This year, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Jane Champion, and Jean Smart all headlined the group of winners in this unconventional styled Golden Globe award ceremony. 

Additionally, there has been no clear timeline that was mentioned upon these changes being announced. 

It is quite difficult to foresee what the Golden Globes will look like in the future, especially as we continue to deal with a global pandemic in which large, in-person gatherings are becoming increasingly difficult to plan.