Golden Globes Awards to telecast the show live

(AFP PHOTO / VALERY HACHE)

In a move that appears to elevate the Golden Globe Awards on a par with the Oscars, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) announced it will televise the event live from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. The 67th annual Golden Globe Awards will be presented on January 17, 2010 at 5-8 pm PT (8-11 pm ET).

This decision to go live is an attempt to boost sagging TV ratings for the show. The writer's strike cancelled the show in 2008 and organizers hope to position the show to better compete with the Oscars.

What distinguishes the show is a party atmosphere with Hollywood's nominees sitting at tables with glasses of champagne instead of a formal theater seat. The live telecast can only add another level of excitement.

The Golden Globes not only recognizes excellence in films, it also awards US television shows. In addition, it categorizes films and television as comedies or dramas, so that genres do not compete against each other. The nominations will be announced on December 15.

The HFPA has selected film director Martin Scorsese as this year's recipient of the Golden Globe's Cecil B. DeMille Award for his "outstanding contribution to the entertainment field."

The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards will be seen in more than 160 countries worldwide. It will be hosted by comedic actor Ricky Gervais and is produced by Dick Clark Productions in association with the HFPA.

RC