The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) handed out nominations on December 14, 2010. The TV show Glee, which won last year for best comedy/musical, once again received the most nominations with five. In addition to the "best comedy or musical series" nomination, four of its ensemble cast members were also recognized: Matthew Morrison (glee coach Will Schuester), Lea Michele (Rachel), Jane Lynch (coach of the "Cheerios" cheerleading squad and nemesis to the glee club, Sue Sylvester), and Chris Colfer (Kurt Hummel).
Most Television Nominees Are on Pay Cable Networks
Glee also holds the distinction of airing on regular network TV, in contrast to the majority of television nominees, which are shown on cable channels. HBO, for example, received twelve nominations, the most for any network. Showtime followed with eight nominations, and AMC (which boasts the shows Mad Men and Breaking Bad) received five. Mad Men is a favorite of the Golden Globes, winning three times for best TV drama series.
Pay networks received the most nominations for series in their first season, such as the critically acclaimed Boardwalk Empire on HBO and The Walking Dead on AMC. AMC's Bryan Cranston, who did not receive a nomination last year, is recognized this season for his portrayal of science teacher turned meth dealer Walter White on Breaking Bad.
What Recognition from Hollywood Foreign Press Association Means for TV
Cranston said that, "Whatever sort of art form you're involved in, you hope only to have the opportunity to be able to expose it to the world. Breaking Bad has gotten recognized domestically, so perhaps this means that internationally audiences will have an opportunity to take a look at our show and hook on to the addictive quality of Breaking Bad."
History of Golden Globe Awards
The HFPA began as the Hollywood Foreign Correspondents Association in 1943. In a luncheon ceremony at Fox Studios that year, they handed out awards for best film, actor and actress, and best supporting cast members. At the time, the awards were given out by journalists and not entertainers.
In 1958, however, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis, Jr. "stormed the stage," according to the HFPA, "with whiskeys and cigarettes in tow, and took over the show, to the delight of the audience." The Rat Packers were asked to return and do the same thing the following year, forever changing the ceremony to a dinner event with celebrity presenters.
While a Golden Globe nomination is generally considered a precursor to an Oscar nod for films, it doesn't seem to apply for television winners. Still, when TV shows can obtain a foreign following, it gives a boost to ratings, advertising, and fan base. The Golden Globes will be held for the 68th time on January 16, 2011 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
Sources:
MTV, "James Franco Grateful for Golden Globe Nom," (December 14, 2010), USA Today, "Golden Globes are still giddy about Glee," (December 14, 2010), HFPA, "The 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards Nominations," (December 14, 2010).
Cherie Burbach - Cherie Burbach writes about dating, relationships, health, sports, and lifestyle. She's the author of eleven books and ebooks.
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