Golden Globe Requirements Change Following The Martian Winning Best Comedy

The esteemed Golden Globes award ceremony is changing its requirements after science fiction drama the Martian had a controversial win in the best comedy or musical section in January.

The decision to have Ridley Scott’s blockbuster contend as a comedy was met with some criticism, most of it coming from funny man and Trainwreck director Judd Apatow. Scott’s film beat Apatow’s Trainwreck, The Big Short, Joy and Spy for the award, while star Matt Damon’s victory in the best actor in a comedy or musical only added fuel to the fire.

In true Apatow fashion, the director joked about the controversy at the Critics’ Choice awards.

“I got Matt Damon staring at me right now,” said Apatow from the podium. “After that whole ‘Golden Globe comedy’ thing. We only have one award Matt, that’s all we get. I’m like a nerd on the schoolyard and you stole my milk money.”

Apparently the Hollywood Foreign Press Association was listening, because they’ve amended the qualifications for a comedy. The change is among 11 pages of alterations for the 2017 Golden Globes.

Another notable rule change makes it so studios will no longer be able to wine and dine voters between the date of the announcement of nominations and the final ceremony, which next year will be held on January 8.