No one expected the Golden Globe Awards to be a beacon for diversity and inclusion –but no one expected it to try and skirt by its controversy, either. But that’s what happened when leaders of the organization addressed its audience.
A recent Los Angeles Times investigation found the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the voting body behind the Golden Globes, had no Black members, which cast further attention on the fact that prominent Black-led films like “Da 5 Bloods” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” failed to earn nominations in best picture categories this year.
Calls for accountability have poured in from many industry groups, including GLAAD and SAG-AFTRA, while advocacy organization Time’s Up called out the HFPA on Friday with the hashtag #TIMESUPGlobes.
The group released a statement vowing to be more inclusive, promising to further address the issue on the Golden Globes stage Sunday night.
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What came instead was a terse, tight speech of under a minute.
Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, and Kenan Thompson at the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. (Photo: Christopher Polk, NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)
“We recognize we have our own work to do,” HFPA Vice President Helen Hoehne began the speech. “Just like in film and television, Black representation is vital. We must have Black journalists in our organization.”
Former president Meher Tatna followed: “We must also ensure everyone from all underrepresented communities gets a seat at our table and we are going to make that happen.”
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And current president Ali Sar concluded: “That means creating an environment where diverse membership is the norm, not the exception. Thank you and we look forward to a more inclusive future.”
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