The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) is divided about Ricky Gervais returning to host the Golden Globes.

The British comedian has sparked controversy for his put-downs and jokes at the expense of some of the film industry's biggest names - including Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp - in the past two years of presenting the awards, and now members have a few days to make a final decision. However, many are angry that network NBC, which hosts the show, is putting pressure on the Association to force them to accept him back.

"NBC has put the HFPA in a lose-lose situation. If the Hollywood Foreign Press says yes to Ricky, it risks turning the Globes into The Ricky Gervais Show and leaving the impression that they're annually throwing a great party while inviting someone who humiliates all of the guests. If it says no, the HFPA looks like it has no sense of humor about itself," a source said.

However, there are some members of the HFPA who believe since Ricky's stint as host, viewership has risen and more people are excited about the awards, which take place in January: "There are those who feel that ratings and revenue are what the HFPA need to focus on most. Of course that's all NBC is interested. The other faction believes that without Ricky, you may lose a little viewership but wind up better protecting the brand."

Among the quips Ricky made during his hosting was a swipe at critical-failure Sex and the City 2, with him claiming they should have won something because of the use of the airbrush, and jokes about scientologists.