The Mandalorian, the popular Star Wars show on Disney+, has sparked a change in the qualifications for the Golden Globes acting categories.
Pedro Pascal's titular lead character on The Mandalorian inspired the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the organization behind the Golden Globes, to clarify the qualifications for their acting categories, per Variety. Specifically, the HFPA stated that "voice-only performances are not eligible in any acting category."
Given that Pascal's role on The Mandalorian requires him to be obscured with a face-covering helmet in almost every scene, discussion ensued on whether or not Pascal's performance would qualify for the Golden Globes' Best Actor in a Drama TV Series category.
Although Pascal didn't end up getting a nomination last year, the uncertainty regarding his eligibility led the HFPA to consider whether or not actors' faces must be seen for them to qualify as nominees. In Pascal's case, his mask was finally revealed near the end of the season, which would have allowed him to compete.
This Mandalorian-inspired adjustment regarding acting category eligibility is the newest in a number of recent tweaks carried out by the Golden Globes to clarify what can and cannot qualify for its various awards. Most notably, the Golden Globes announced adjustments to its eligibility requirements for movies to qualify for consideration at the 2021 Golden Globes Awards.
Created by Jon Favreau, The Mandalorian stars Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers and Giancarlo Esposito. Season 1 is available now on Disney+, with Season 2 premiering in October.