The Golden Globes, without an audience or stars, hand out their awards on Sunday

Usually attended by all the gratin of the entertainment industry, the gala, which opens the film awards season, was deserted this year by Hollywood stars who criticize the organization’s lack of diversity and transparency.

NBC has given up broadcasting the ceremony and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), which is the jury for these awards, will announce, without stars or glitter, the results on social media from 6 p.m.

This year the Golden Globes are not going to be like any Golden Globes we’ve seen so far., commented Marc Malkin, editor-in-chief at Variety. And really, we’re not going to see much.

Officially, the organizers invoked the pandemic.

But, according to Mr. Malkin, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association has tried to bring in celebrities to announce the winners of this year’s Golden Globes. And no celebrity – none – said yes.

Belfast, inspired by the Northern Irish childhood of Kenneth Branagh, and The power of the dog (The Power of the Dog), a dark western by Jane Campion, lead with seven nominations each.

The power of the dog, which questions male stereotypes in 1920s Montana, with Benedict Cumberbatch as a toxic cowboy, could become the second feature film directed by a woman to win the flagship category of best drama film.

The remake of West Side Story by Steven Spielberg, who posted modest revenue but was critically acclaimed, is nominated in the Comedy, Musical and Non-Musical category.

Ariana DeBose and David Alvarez in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story”

Photo: Twentieth Century Fox

It is in competition with Don’t Look Up, satirical comedy with Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, who play astronomers trying in vain to alert divided American public opinion to the arrival of a comet that threatens to destroy all life on Earth.

On the television side, the series Succession, a black and creaking work that features a powerful New York family tearing itself apart to take control of a media empire, favorite share with five nominations.

But the race for the Golden Globes, considered almost as prestigious as the Oscars, is clouded by the many accusations against the HFPA.

The group, made up of around 100 people with links to foreign publications, has long been privately accused in Hollywood circles of a series of failings, ranging from corruption to racism.

The daily Los Angeles Times has thus shown that the association did not count any black person among its members, opening the valve of reproaches last year. Tom Cruise has also returned his awards in a gesture of protest.

Benedict Cumberbatch in “The Power of the Dog”

Photo: Netflix

Since the outbreak of the scandal, the association has hastened to launch reforms, in particular to diversify its members.

It also prohibited them from accepting luxury gifts or stays in hotels from studios cajoling them for their votes.

It remains to be seen whether these changes will be enough to convince Hollywood stars and broadcasters to give the Golden Globes a comeback.

This year one thing is certain, hardly any actor, actress or studio has publicly mentioned her nomination, and many laureates are also expected to remain silent when their victory is announced on Sunday.

Even though some are declared the winners, no one is going to issue a press release to say how happy he is to have been honored by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association., assures Marc Malkin.

If you’re a studio hoping for a Golden Globe win, and you get your Golden Globe and don’t celebrate, does that really matter?, he says.