Filipino American comedian and actor Jo Koy has been announced as the host for the newly revamped Golden Globes, marking a fresh start for the prestigious American awards show. With his extensive experience in stand-up comedy and notable roles in films such as “Easter Sunday” and Disney’s “Haunted Mansion,” Jo Koy is thrilled to oversee the event that kicks off three months of movie industry ceremonies.
“I’ve had the privilege of performing on many stages worldwide throughout my career, but this one holds a special place in my heart,” expressed Jo Koy. “This is the moment where I can make my Filipino family proud.”
Golden Globes President Helen Hoehne expressed her excitement about Jo Koy’s selection as the host, stating, “We are thrilled to have Jo host the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards and bring his infectious energy and relatable humor to kick off Hollywood’s award season. We know Jo is bringing his A-game.”
The 81st edition of the Golden Globes aims to be a reboot for the brand, which has faced significant criticism in recent years. A 2021 exposé by the Los Angeles Times revealed that the awards’ voting body, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), had no Black members. This revelation led to the surfacing of long-standing criticisms about the HFPA, including allegations of amateurism and corruption.
To address these concerns, the awards’ assets and trademarks were purchased and overhauled by a group of private investors, including US billionaire Todd Boehly, resulting in the disbandment of the HFPA. Former HFPA members based in Hollywood are now prohibited from accepting gifts and are paid a salary to vote for their favorite films and shows. Additionally, over 200 nonmember voters from 75 countries have been added to the Golden Globes mix, ensuring a more diverse and inclusive selection process.
In a bid to regain credibility, the Golden Globes recently announced their nominations, with films like “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” leading the pack. These two blockbusters, known as “Barbenheimer,” garnered significant attention and dominated the box office, sparking countless internet memes. Their nominations provide a strong start to Hollywood’s film awards season, which culminates with the prestigious Oscars in March.
Other films that received recognition from the Globes voters include “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “Poor Things,” each earning seven nominations, and “Past Lives” with five nominations.
In a significant change, CBS, one of the United States’ largest national television networks, has taken over as the new home of the Golden Globes after NBC ended its longstanding deal to broadcast the event. This shift to CBS represents a new chapter for the awards show, offering fresh opportunities for growth and a wider audience reach.
As the Golden Globes prepares for its 81st edition, the inclusion of Jo Koy as the host and the extensive reforms undertaken by the new investors signal a renewed commitment to transparency and diversity. The stage is set for an exciting evening that will celebrate the best of the film industry and mark a new era for the Golden Globes.
Source: The Manila Times
