NBC and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association scuttled the Golden Globes today for a decidedly drab press conference, the Hollywood Reporter says. HFPA pressed NBC to let the gala run untelevised, to dissuade picketers and welcome stars, but NBC refused. "We are all very disappointed," the HFPA president said; the association will lose its $5 million licensing fee.
Today's plan was for Globe winners to be announced Sunday night, followed by televised star parties at the Beverly Hilton. But studios then canceled the fetes so celebs won’t have to cross Writers Guild picket lines to get in. Steven Spielberg's rep doubted he would come for his lifetime achievement award. “I can't imagine everyone going to a press conference,” he said. “Right now, nothing sounds comfortable." (More Golden Globes stories.)