LOS ANGELES: The embattled Golden Globes on Wednesday announced changes that will allow foreign language and animated films to contend for the Hollywood award show's top prizes. Organizers are scrambling to reform the influential but scandal-hit Globes after NBC cancelled next year's ceremony amid widespread and vocal criticism of the group's record on diversity and transparency.
Among the barbs thrown at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, many awards-watchers expressed outrage that the critically acclaimed "Minari" - an immigrant tale shot mainly in Korean but set in Arkansas - was restricted to the foreign language category at this year's show.
It was not allowed to compete for the best comedy and best drama prizes, which are considered the Globes' biggest accolades. Neither was "Parasite," the previous year's eventual best picture Oscar winner.
"As we reexamined our guidelines this year and listened to the industry, we decided to adopt new approaches for future shows ensuring these films receive the attention they deserve," said HFPA president Ali Sar in a statement to AFP.
"Language will no longer be a barrier to recognition as the best."
Comprised of some 90 journalists who vote for Tinseltown's second-biggest annual film and television awards, the HFPA has been under fire for months following widespread allegations of racism, sexism, bullying and corruption among its ranks. Last month, the group approved a raft of reforms to become "more inclusive and diverse" by an "overwhelming" margin, hoping to draw a line under the negative publicity.
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