65th Golden Globes Reduced to Press Conference

Cancelled Awards Broadcast Costs NBC, HFPA Millions

Los Angeles, CA – The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has reduced this year's Golden Globes gala to an hour-long press conference, it announced Monday. NBC's telecast of the 65th Annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony is officially cancelled.
 
The latest programming casualty of the ongoing WGA-AMPTP conflict, the Globes fate had been in question once SAG actors vowed to boycott the ceremony in support of striking WGA writers.
 
Awards in 25 categories will be announced during the press conference on Sunday, January 13 at 6:00 pm (PST) at the Beverly Hilton, with live coverage by NBC News.

NBC Offers Cash Back
to Advertisers

NBC is reportedly offering some advertisers a cash back deal in the wake of the Golden Globes gala broadcast cancellation—and may end up refunding perhaps $10 million to $15 million, Advertising Age reports.

Among other losses, HFPA stands to lose its $6 million license fee from the network.

News of NBC's predicament launched precautionary efforts with ABC, whom Ad Age says must prepare to deal with advertisers in the event that the strike prompts significant changes with next month's Oscar Awards.
 
Last year's Golden Globes broadcast generated more than $25 million in ad revenue, while the Oscars drew about $80 million.

Spielberg Tribute Postponed

The HFPA will honor Steven Spielberg with the Golden Globes' Cecil B. DeMille Award for outstanding contribution to entertainment in2009, rather than this Sunday as originally scheduled, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Typically bestowed during a special career recap segment packed with film clips and peer accolades, HFPA opted to include the Spielberg tribute until the next full Globes ceremony, rather than Sunday's press conference.
 
Click here to see complete list of this year's Golden Globes nominees.