Golden Globes Change Eligibility Rules to Include Non-English Language and Animated Features

Just a few days ago, the Critics Choice Association announced that they would be changing their eligibility guidelines to include non-English language films and would be eligible for a new awards show ceremony premiering in 2022 called the “World Movie Awards”.

Now, it seems as though other major awards ceremonies are going to be implementing the exact same change, starting with the forthcoming Golden Globe Awards in 2022. I

In addition to this, they will also allow animated feature films to be submitted into the Best Motion Picture (Drama) and Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) categories, as long as they meet other necessary eligibility guidelines.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has said it has passed a revised code of ethics prohibiting the acceptance of gifts and other inducements. The new proposed measures are:

• Allowing non-English language motion pictures to be eligible for the Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy awards if they meet the eligibility requirements for those awards (i.e. release in the Los Angeles area during the relevant eligibility period). 
• Allowing animated motion pictures to be eligible for the Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy awards if they meet the eligibility requirements for those awards (i.e. release in the Los Angeles area during the relevant qualifying period). 
• Renaming “Best Motion Picture – Foreign Language” award to “Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language.”
• Productions of stage plays, operas, concerts, and other live events recorded on a theatrical stage or other similar venue (i.e. not adapted for production as a motion picture or television program) are now considered documentaries and are not eligible. 
• Refining the definition of foreign television programs (programs produced principally outside the United States) which are eligible only if they are a co-production (both financially and creatively) with a United States partner and defined a “United States partner.” 
• Requiring that all eligible episodes of television series must be a minimum of twenty (20) program minutes. 
• Updating the Golden Globe ballot certifications each member makes to comply with HFPA’s current conflicts disclosure requirements.

“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 Ali Sar, President of the HFPA. “Language will no longer be a barrier to recognition as the best.”

For more updates on the upcoming 2022 Golden Globe Awards, stay tuned to Awards Radar.