Paramount Network accused of influencing Golden Globes
The annual release of the Golden Globes nominations leaves critics reeling over the nods and snubs but one nominee, in particular, is raising concerns over claims of influencing the nominee. The fashionable TV series “Emily In Paris” was nominated for two Golden Globes but reports indicate the creators of the show, Paramount Network, hosted the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) to a promotion extravaganza to sway their decision.
In 2019, 30+ members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn., the group behind the show, flew to France to visit the set of the new series.
Paramount Network treated them to a 2-night stay at a 5-star hotel where rooms start at about $1,400/night https://t.co/Gp0y4UAvgt pic.twitter.com/kmhGgdLICy
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) February 22, 2021
Reports indicate Paramount Networks hosted over 30 members of the HFPA to visit the set of “Emily in Paris” providing five-star accommodations for two nights at the Peninsula Paris hotel costing $1,400 per night. Paramount also hosted a news conference and lunch at the Musée des Arts Forains, one of the extravagant filming locations for the series.
One member of the HFPA trip revealed everyone was treated like kings and queens for an amazing experience that would go onto influence the HFPA to nominate the series for two awards. The HFPA guidelines forbid members from accepting gifts valued at over $125 for each project but Paramount worked around the guidelines to host the extravagant experience.
There was also a lunch at a private museum filled with amusement rides dating to 1850 where the show was shooting.
It's worth considering what one of the shows own writers said in an honest op-ed about its nomination https://t.co/Gp0y4UAvgt pic.twitter.com/Nihq5ZWBmu
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) February 22, 2021
Representatives of Paramount Network and affiliated partner Netflix have declined to comment against these allegations of attempting to sway the decision of the HFPA. The L.A. Times launched an investigation following the lawsuit from a journalist, Jjersti Flaa, against the HFPA after being denied a membership leading Flaa to accuse the HFPA of corruption within the association.
The investigation revealed that the HFPA regularly sends out payments to its members and expert believe this goes against IRS guidelines. Reports indicate some individuals have received nearly $2 million for performing tasks including serving on various committees.
