Penske Media removed a $70,000 Golden Globes ticket offer from its luxury gift guide after a report exposed the sale, which contradicted the awards’ policy that tickets are not available to the public.
The offer was listed on “The Vault,” a concierge service run by Robb Report, a magazine owned by Penske Media. For $70,000 per pair, buyers were promised premier seating at the Golden Globes ceremony on January 11, 2026, access to exclusive parties like the Golden Eve Party and after-party, and a curated gift bag typically reserved for presenters and winners. The package also included accommodations at the Peninsula Beverly Hills, bespoke styling by Thom Sweeney, and red-carpet arrival with celebrity mingling opportunities.
Page Six first reported the listing earlier this week, highlighting its availability alongside other high-end items such as a $4.5 million power boat and a $200,000 bottle of Chardonnay. An entertainment industry veteran criticized the offer as “shameless,” noting the exorbitant cost for tickets that came with additional perks like a tuxedo. The report quickly gained attention, prompting scrutiny of the sale’s legitimacy.
Shortly after the report was published, the webpage for the Golden Globes tickets was taken down and displayed a “Not found” message. This swift removal occurred without official explanation, suggesting a reactive move to avoid public backlash. The Vault’s site typically requires inquiries to be verified by a concierge before purchases are facilitated, but the specific ticket page has been entirely erased.
A spokesperson for the Golden Globes reiterated that tickets are not made available or sold to the general public, underscoring the inconsistency with the gift guide’s offer. This statement aligns with the awards’ long-standing policy, raising questions about how such a listing could appear on a platform owned by the same company that operates the Globes. Penske Media acquired the Golden Globes from the non-profit Hollywood Foreign Press Association, transforming it into a for-profit entity.
The incident highlights potential conflicts of interest, as Penske Media owns a portfolio of entertainment publications, including Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Deadline. This ownership structure has previously drawn criticism, such as with the introduction of a best podcast category at the Golden Globes, which some insiders labeled a “racket” for favoring Penske-owned outlets. The takedown of the ticket offer reflects heightened sensitivity to maintaining the awards’ integrity amid ongoing media consolidation.
As the Golden Globes prepare for the 2026 ceremony, this episode underscores tensions in the entertainment industry where corporate ownership overlaps with event management. The removal of the offer may help mitigate further controversy, but it leaves unanswered questions about transparency and access in Hollywood’s award season. The gift guide’s other luxury items remain available, but the focus on Golden Globes tickets has sparked broader discussions about ethical practices in high-profile events.
Moving forward, the Golden Globes and Penske Media may face increased scrutiny over their operations and partnerships. This event serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between commercial interests and public perception in the world of entertainment awards, potentially influencing future policies and disclosures to uphold credibility.
