Variety reveals that the Golden Globes will add two new categories to next January's broadcast and at least one is bound to generate debate among awards pundits.
A couple of years ago, the Academy tried to recognise blockbusters at the Oscars only to be widely criticised (the idea was abandoned and a fan vote ended up being hijacked by SnyderVerse supporters). So, while "Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television" is unlikely to cause a stir, the Golden Globe for "Cinematic and Box Office Achievement" might.
Somewhat complicating matters is the fact these movies will need to meet various criteria, including a haul of at least $150 million at the box office. Streaming titles will be considered, but only after the Golden Globes take into account viewership data from "recognized industry sources."
Eight movies will compete for the prize, with the best blockbuster ultimately chosen to walk away with the newly introduced award. However, it's unclear whether this would exclude them from the other "Best Film" categories (we'd assume that's the case).
People arguably don't care about the Golden Globes as much as the Oscars to make too big of a deal out of this change, and we're intrigued to see whether this means superhero movies finally get their due on a major platform.
"The Golden Globes has a rich history of supporting and celebrating the work of comedians, and we’re thrilled to honor their brilliance alongside outstanding motion picture and television performances of the year," says Golden Globes president Helen Hoehne. "Additionally, we are proud to recognize the hard work and innovation that goes into making a film that is both a blockbuster and artistically exceptional."
Here are the eligibility requirements for the new blockbuster category:
The Cinematic and Box Office Achievement includes nominees from the year’s most acclaimed, highest-earning and/or most viewed films that have garnered extensive global audience support and attained cinematic excellence.
Eligibility:
• Motion pictures are eligible for the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award if they achieve a box office receipt total/gross of $150 million, of which $100 million must come from the U.S. domestic box office, and/or obtain commensurate digital streaming viewership recognized by trusted industry sources.
•Films that are released after November 22 up until the end of the year may qualify based on projected box office performance and/or digital streaming views from trusted industry sources.
• Cinematic and Box Office Achievement contenders can also be considered for Best Motion Picture in their respective categories, i.e., Drama, Comedy or Musical, Animated or Non-English Language if they meet the eligibility requirements for each of those awards.
• Box office and streaming views will determine eligibility; once a film meets the box office-related qualifying criteria or streaming criteria, Golden Globes voters will determine the nominees and winner based on excellence.
• A total of 8 nominees will be named for this category.