Council Pushes Back on $70,000 Golden Globes Fee Waiver

Beverly Hills City Council members declined to support a proposed waiver of approximately $70,000 in permit fees for the 2027 Golden Globes during their October 20 study session, pressing the awards show's representatives on why the city should forgo charges for a commercial production.

The January 10 ceremony is planned for the Beverly Hilton. Producer Dick Clark Productions requested permission for street and sidewalk closures, changes to traffic patterns and work outside ordinary construction hours. The request also sought relief from roughly $70,000 in permit fees, while leaving the production responsible for city staff time billed for the event.

The October 20 city staff report had recommended approving the requested permit fee waivers, along with the event's operational arrangements. The waiver would cover city special-event, filming and street-use charges, including street closure fees. It would not excuse Dick Clark Productions from reimbursing city personnel or paying separate building and fire permit charges.

The fee request prompted a lengthy discussion about the distinction between supporting a high-profile event and waiving city charges. City staff explained that the permit fees reflect both processing costs and the use of public streets. Council members also discussed the city's budget pressures and the precedent of offering fee waivers to for-profit organizations.

By the end of the discussion, Vice Mayor Mary Wells summarized the Council's position as lacking consensus to grant the fee waiver. The discussion left open the possibility of a revised request based on a shorter period of street closure, which could reduce the amount owed under the city's hourly fee structure. The outcome was study-session direction by consensus.

The Council was more receptive to operational arrangements for the awards ceremony. Members expressed support for coordinating work schedules to reduce impacts on residents, relocating a temporary traffic signal if necessary, public notification and continuing the event's relationship with Beverly Hills. Traffic near local schools was among the concerns raised during the discussion.

A related presentation about an expanded week of Golden Globes programming also brought requests for city financial support. The city had already budgeted $25,000 through its visitor bureau for an event partnership. Representatives sought another $25,000 and additional assistance with banners and City Hall lighting. Later in the session, council members expressed willingness to support separate banner and lighting costs estimated at $11,115, rather than approve the full additional programming request as presented.

The final permit charges may depend on the actual duration of the street closures. Staff said the production would receive a refund of hourly closure fees if the closures ended sooner than the period paid for.