The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) claims its mission is "to establish favorable relations and cultural ties between the United States and foreign countries." As reporters in the international media, the members of HFPA write stories about American culture as depicted in motion pictures and television. The Golden Globes ceremony helps bring attention to that mission.
In 1943, a small group of foreign correspondents formed the HFPA in the midst of World War II. At the time, the American film industry did not fully embrace foreign distribution of their movies. The HFPA slowly grew, shedding light on the fact that American movies were viewed around the world as a window on American culture. The HFPA held its first award ceremony in 1944. Jennifer Jones won best actress honors for "The Song of Bernadette," which also won for best film. Paul Lukas won the best actor trophy for "Watch on the Rhine." The ceremony has been held annually ever since 1944.
In 2011, The Golden Globes gave awards in 14 motion picture categories, recognizing best film (comedy or musical), best film (drama) best actor and actress (comedy or musical), best actor and actress (drama), best foreign film, best animated feature, best director, best supporting actor and actress, best screenplay, best score, and best song.
The HFPA started recognizing television work in the 1955 ceremony. In 2011, Golden Globes were given to the best drama series, best comedy or musical series, best mini-series and best movie made for television. Acting awards were given to actors and actresses in lead and supporting roles in the categories of drama series, comedy or musical series, mini-series and made for television movie.
The annual Cecil B. DeMille Award was created in 1952. The De Mille award is given to a member of the Hollywood film community to recognize "outstanding contribution to the entertainment field." The award's first recipient was DeMille himself. In 2011, the award went to actor Robert De Niro.