The Hollywood Foreign Press has received major criticism for its lack of diversity prior to and during the 78th Annual Golden Globes Awards.
Award show hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler kicked off the award show with heavy criticism saying, “The Hollywood Foreign Press Association is made up of around 90 international, no-Black journalists who attend movie junkets each year in search for a better life,” said Fey.
“Everybody is understandably upset at the HFPA and their choices,” Poehler chimed in.
Hosts Amy Poehler and Tina Fey kick off The #GoldenGlobes from coast-to-coast! ? pic.twitter.com/QpnIVLlatE
— NBC Entertainment (@nbc) March 1, 2021
The actresses added a bit of humor to cut the tension but remained firm on the topic adding, “Look, a lot of flashy garbage got nominated, but that happens. That’s, like, their thing. But a number of Black actors and Black-led projects were overlooked,” said Fey. “Inclusivity is important and there are no Black members of the Hollywood Foreign Press. I realize, HFPA, maybe you guys didn’t get the memo because your workplace is a back booth of a French McDonald’s, but you gotta change that.”
Momentum for the HFPA 87 movement started prior to the awards show, with heavy criticism coming from actor and 2018 Golden Globe winner, Sterling K. Brown.
“To be nominated for a Golden Globe is a tremendous honor. To win one is a dream come true. It can affect the trajectory of an individual’s career…it certainly has with mine. I’m presenting at the telecast this weekend to honor all the storytellers, especially those of color, who have achieved this extraordinary moment in their careers,” Brown said. “And I have my criticisms of the #HFPA 87 people wield a tremendous amount of power. For any governing body of a current Hollywood award show to have such a lack of voting representation illustrates a level of irresponsibility that should not be ignored.”
In a surprising twist, a large majority of minorities took home awards, and some even made history in their respective categories.
Chloé Zhao became the first woman to receive a Globe for directing in 37 years and the first Asian-American woman ever to win. Her film “Nomadland” also took home a Globe for best drama.
Chloé Zhao takes home the award for Best Motion Picture Director for Nomadland. #GoldenGlobespic.twitter.com/YvPeTUvn1b
— Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) March 1, 2021
Another history-making moment came when Andra Day won for Best Actress in a Drama for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in the film “The United States vs. Billie Holiday.” Day became the second Black actress to win the category and the first in 35 years.
Congratulations to @AndraDayMusic for taking home the award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama at the #GoldenGlobes!pic.twitter.com/0zZOZSEjHi
— Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) March 1, 2021
Chadwick Boseman won his first Golden Globe posthumously for the Netflix film, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” The late actor, who died in August at the age of 43, took home the Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture.
Taylor Simone Ledward accepts the award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama on behalf of her late husband @chadwickboseman at the #GoldenGlobes.pic.twitter.com/UOgdLlnA52
— Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) March 1, 2021
Representatives from HFPA closed out the awards show by addressing the audience and announcing plans for more inclusion.
“Tonight as we celebrate the work of artists from around the Globe we recognize that 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. We must also ensure that everyone from all underrepresented communities gets a seat at our table and we are going to make that happen,” the committee said.
Here's the statement made by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association at tonight's #GoldenGlobes. pic.twitter.com/3DFF8uexHg
— Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) March 1, 2021
Acknowledgment is a great step, but we will wait and see if they make good on their promises.