The Beverly Hilton will host the Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 9, but organizers have announced that there will be no audience. (photo courtesy of the Beverly Hilton)

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has announced that the winners of the 79th Annual Golden Globe Awards will be revealed at 6 p.m. on Jan. 9 at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. However, due to the recent COVID-19 surge, there will be no audience.

In addition to recognizing 2021’s best in film and television, the Golden Globe Awards will shine a light on the long-established philanthropy work of the HFPA, showcasing a range of grantees during the program.

Over the past 25 years, the HFPA has donated $50 million to more than 70 entertainment-related charities, film restoration, scholarship programs and humanitarian efforts – impactful organizations, many of which were hit hard over the last two years as a result of the pandemic.

During the program, Kyle Bowser, senior vice president of the NAACP Hollywood Bureau, will further discuss the Reimagine Coalition, a joint five-year initiative to increase diversity, equity and inclusion across the global entertainment industry.

The HFPA and the NAACP Hollywood Bureau will collaborate on, fund and support a series of trailblazing initiatives annually, with the goal of ensuring visibility of projects from artists of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, increasing diverse representation in the industry and building pathways to inclusion for young artists and journalists of color.

Because of the current pandemic, precautions are being taken for select members and grantees who will be in the room. Guests will be required to show proof of vaccination and booster shot, along with a negative PCR test within 48 hours. All guests will be masked and socially distanced while inside the ballroom, and there will be no red carpet.

Over the last eight months, the HFPA has overhauled its bylaws, implementing changes to address ethics and code of conduct, diversity, equity and inclusion, governance, membership and more. In October, the HFPA admitted its largest and most diverse class to date with 21 new journalists, all of whom were first-time Golden Globe voters.