The temporary measure was outlined by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association on Friday

While the coronavirus pandemic has presented major challenges for many of us, a small silver lining in the world of film shone through yesterday, as it was announced that eligibility requirements for foreign films at the Golden Globes would temporarily be eased.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the organisation of Los Angeles-based journalists for outlets based abroad, said that because of the pandemic it would be easing qualifying requirements for 2020 films made outside of the US in a language other than English.

Usually, foreign-language films “must be first released in their country of origin during the 15-month period from October 1 to December 31 prior to the awards”. Now, however, it has been declared that films “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”.

That could mean the film is released in theatres, via video-on-demand or another television format and it will still be eligible for the Golden Globe award for best foreign language film.

This comes on the back of a similar announcement made on March 26 suspending the rule that a film had to be screened for HFPA members at a third-party facility in the greater LA area.

Instead of in-person screenings, distributors of foreign-language films must contact the HFPA to arrange a screening date and provide a link or DVD so members might view it at home. “This alternate screening procedure is in effect from March 15 until a date to be determined by HFPA when cinemas in the Los Angeles area have generally reopened,” it said.

Further rules may be amended as the association continues to assess the current situation and its affect on cinema, it added.

The Golden Globes take place annually, with 2020’s ceremony held on January 6. The award for best foreign language film went to Parasite.

Although it has been announced that Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will host the 93rd Golden Globes, a date for the awards ceremony has not been confirmed.

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