Hollywood Foreign Press Addresses Race Controversy at Golden Globes: “Black Representation Is Vital”

It’s not often that the Hollywood Foreign Press Association is at the center of the Golden Globes, but here we are. One of the biggest stories this awards season has little to do with television and everything to do with to do with the organization responsible for picking nominations. During the 78th Golden Globes, members of HFPA came onstage to address the organization’s lack of diversity and explain how it will correct its mistakes.

The press organization came under fire days before the big night. A piece from the L.A. Times revealed that out of HFPA’s 87 members, none of them included Black members. These foreign journalists are responsible for picking all the nominations and winners for one of the biggest nights in Hollywood. Though many fans and critics often roll their eyes at the Globes, the support of this awards show matters. More often than not a Golden Globe nomination can set the awards tone for an actor or project. Having no Black members in this influential organization is a big deal.

The ramifications of this misstep have been especially felt this year. This year the Globes snubbed Black-centric shows such as I May Destroy You and Insecure. As many have pointed out, including a writer of the Globes-nominated Emily in Paris, snubbing the powerful and cutting examination of sexual assault that is I May Destroy You is a major oversight.

The Times report even inspired its own hashtag. #TimeUpGlobes was trending on social media on the days leading up to the awards show. Filmmaker Ava Duvernay even took to Twitter to speak out about the lack of diversity using the hashtag.

The HFPA addressed the controversy through three of its members. “As we celebrate the work of artists from around the globe, we recognize we have our own work to do. Just like in film and television, Black representation is vital. We must have Black journalists in our organization,” Helen Hoehne of Germany said.

“We must also ensure everyone, from all representative communities, gets a seat at our table, and we’re going to make that happen,” Meher Tatina, past president and current board chair, added.

“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,” Ali Sar of Turkey concluded.

This isn’t the only scandal the Hollywood Foreign Press has found itself in this year. The typically secretive organization was exposed again by the L.A. Times for accepting lavish promotional gifts. Specifically in 2019 more than 30 members of the HFPA were flown to Paris for a set visit of the Netflix original Emily in Paris. There they were treated to a stay at a five-star hotel and a private museum visit. Though it’s impossible to say if this set visit influenced Emily in Paris‘ two nominations, it’s not a good look. But after tonight it seems as though the organization is at least trying to address its mistakes.