Golden Globes Changes Foreign Language Film Eligibility Rules

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has announced new changes for the upcoming 93rd Golden Globes in the foreign language motion picture category, according to Variety.

Previously, films had to be released in their country of origin during the 15-month period prior to the awards. But due to coronavirus and the closure of movie theaters, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association has suspended the criteria for this year's show.

The new rule states: "Foreign-language motion pictures that had a bona fide theatrical release planned to begin in their country of origin during the period from March 15 until a date to be determined by HFPA when cinemas in that country have generally reopened, may instead be released in any country in any format (e.g. a motion picture format such as in theatres or on Pay-Per-View or a television format such as subscription streaming service, subscription cable channel, broadcast television, etc.) and will still be eligible for the Golden Globe foreign-language motion picture awards."

Films in consideration also do not need to be screened for HFPA members in a theater or screening room. Instead, distributors of foreign-language films must contact the HFPA to arrange a screening date on the official HFPA calendar and provide all HFPA members with a screening link or a DVD copy of the motion picture to allow members to view it at home. The screening change will be in effect from March 15 until a new date determined by the HFPA.

Read the original article on Variety.