Golden Globes tickets are being offered for $70,000 per pair through a luxury concierge service, a move that has been labeled “shameless” by industry insiders due to the awards’ previous policy of not selling tickets to the public.
The offer is part of Robb Report’s The Vault ultimate gift guide, which includes high-end items like a $4.5 million power boat and a $200,000 bottle of Chardonnay. For $70,000, buyers get two tickets to the Golden Globes ceremony on January 11, along with access to the Golden Eve Party, the after-party, a stay at the Peninsula Beverly Hills, bespoke styling by Thom Sweeney, and the official Golden Globes gift bag. This package promises premier seating near celebrities and a red-carpet experience, despite the awards’ official stance against public ticket sales.
The Golden Globes, now owned by Penske Media Eldridge after being run by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, has traditionally stated that tickets are not available to the general public. The official FAQ page clearly notes that audience members are limited to nominees, studio partners, sponsors, and guests, with no public sales permitted. This contradiction has sparked criticism, as the sale appears to bypass long-standing exclusivity norms.
An entertainment business veteran expressed shock at the offering, calling it “shameless” that tickets are being sold for such a high price, especially since they include a tuxedo rental. The insider highlighted the irony of purchasing access to an event that publicly claims to be invite-only, raising ethical concerns about commercialization in Hollywood.
The Vault’s website allows potential buyers to inquire about the tickets by filling out a form, after which a concierge facilitates the purchase. As of the night the story broke, no one had bought the tickets, with all three pairs still available. The gift guide emphasizes that buyers will enjoy VIP treatment, including mingling with industry figures and receiving the coveted Ultimate Gift Bag, typically reserved for presenters and winners.
Penske Media’s ownership of both the Golden Globes and Robb Report raises questions about conflicts of interest. The company controls a vast network of entertainment publications, such as Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, creating a vertically integrated media empire around the awards show. This structure allows Penske to profit from multiple angles, from hosting the event to promoting it through owned outlets.
This isn’t the first time Penske Media has faced scrutiny for commercializing the Golden Globes. Last year, reports emerged of a “Golden Globes salon dinner series” being marketed for $70,000 per event, though Penske denied the legitimacy of those offers. The current ticket sale reinforces patterns of monetization under the new for-profit model, shifting away from the HFPA’s non-profit era.
The availability of these tickets could alter the composition of the Golden Globes audience, enabling wealthy individuals to buy their way into an event once reserved for industry elites. As the awards continue to evolve under Penske’s leadership, this move may prompt broader discussions about accessibility and integrity in entertainment awards ceremonies.
