The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has announced the date of next year’s Golden Globe Awards, on August 11, 2025. But more interestingly, however, the HFPAalsoannounced a couple of rule changes for the next awards, and one in particular appears to stem from backlash aimed at this year’s winner for Best Comedy or Musical. Many cried foul whenThe Martianwas submitted—and accepted—as a nominee for the Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy category, withJudd Apatowin particular rather miffed that genuine comedies likeTrainwreckandSpywere having to compete withRidley Scott’s comedic drama.
Well now, per new HFPA guidelines (viaEW), “dramas with comedic overtones should be entered as dramas,” which essentially means, “HeyThe Martian, don’t come around here no more.” The irony here, however, is that the HFPA had the power to rejectThe Martianall along, and they didn’t. They chose to allowThe Martianto compete as a Comedy/Musical, so it’s not like a rule change was needed to prevent this from happening again. But now it appears they’re making a statement that they’re trying to keep the Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy more pure from a submissions standpoint.
This kind of aping of the category isn’t exactly a new notion, and I’m not entirely sure whyThe Martianwas the film to finally encourage this change, aside from Apatow’s vocalization of his disapproval.David O. Russell’s dramedyAmerican Hustlewon the award in 2013 andJoywas also nominated this year, so “dramas with comedic undertones” have been ruling the category for years. It’s a shame that genuine comedies likeSpyandTrainwreckdon’t get more awards traction, so with this new rule change here’s hoping there’s finally a place for films such as these to be recognized. Because God knows the Oscars aren’t gonna do it.
