The HFPA announced that, in light of the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, it is temporarily easing its eligibility requirements to qualify for the best foreign language film Golden Globe.
Foreign-language films no longer "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, the HFPA has declared, "Foreign-language motion pictures 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 (e.g., a motion picture format such as in theatres or on pay-per-view or a television format such as subscription streaming service, subscription cable channel, broadcast television, etc.) and will still be eligible for the [award]."
The organization is also temporarily suspending its requirement that films that wish to be considered in the category "must be screened for HFPA members in a theatre or screening room" in the Los Angeles area. Now, the HFPA has declared, "In lieu of such in-person screenings: 1) distributors of foreign-language motion pictures must contact the HFPA to arrange a screening date on the official HFPA calendar; and 2) by that date, distributors must provide all HFPA members with a screening link or a DVD copy of the motion picture so that members may 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."
Friday's announcement comes on the heels of a similar one made on March 26 that outlined temporary changes to the eligibility requirements for English-language films.
The new missive concludes by stating, "The HFPA will continue to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on motion picture distribution and exhibition and may make other temporary variations to those rules as it considers appropriate in the future."
Source: The Hollywood Reporter by Scott Feinberg