Amazon Studios

The organizers of the Golden Globes on July 16 banned its members from receiving gifts and free trips from movie studios and TV networks seeking to clinch awards for their shows and stars.

In its quest to launch a hit fantasy series of the Game of Thrones calibre, Amazon has closed a massive deal — said to be close to $250 million — to acquire global TV rights to The Lord of the Rings, based on the fantasy novels by J.R.R. Tolkien. The streaming service has given a multi-season commitment to a LOTR series in the pact, which also includes a potential spinoff series.