All You Need To Know About The Golden Globes Controversy

Golden Globes Controversy: NBC announced that it would not be airing the Golden Globe Awards ceremony in 2022. The decision was made due to the controversy surrounding the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and its lack of diversity.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) is a non-profit organisation that reports on the entertainment industry and conducts the annual Golden Globe Awards. It consists of 87 members that bestow the Golden Globes.

The Golden Globes controversy began after the HFPA was criticised due to its lack of diversity after it was reported that there were zero Black members. According to HFPA, 35 per cent of the members were from non-European counties and none of the current members were Black.

All You Need To Know About The Golden Globes Controversy

1. The Los Angeles Times reported that HFPA had no new Black members since Meher Tatna in 2002. The HPFA said that it was "fully committed" to ensuring that the HFPA membership is "reflective of the communities around the world".
2. On May 3, the HFPA board laid out a reform plan that aimed to add 20 new members in 2021, with a “specific focus” on recruiting Black members. A goal of increasing membership by 50 per cent over 18 months was set. 100 Hollywood public relations firms said that the changes were not enough, and actors such as Scarlett Johansson took a stand and asked actors to “step back” from HFPA.
3. Johansson said that she had faced sexist questions and remarks by HFPA members and had shunned the HFPA's press conferences for years as a result.
4. Streaming platform and production studio Netflix distanced itself from HFPA and the Golden Globes until “meaningful changes” were made. Amazon, HBO, and WarnerMedia followed suit.
5. The actor Tom Cruise returned his three Golden Globe trophies to the HFPA headquarters. Awards editor for Variety Clayton Davis described the move as “important because it can’t be just Blacks and Latinos speaking out about what’s happening in Hollywood.”
6. NBC said in a statement that “Change of this magnitude takes time and work, and we feel strongly that the HFPA needs time to do it right. As such, NBC will not air the 2022 Golden Globes.” The network added that it was “hopeful” that HFPA executes their plan for reform.
7. In response to NBC’s decision, the HFPA board members released a detailed timetable for the reforms it had previously promised. HFPA aims to have a new board of directors and executive team by August 2021.
8. The HPFA said in a statement that “Regardless of the next air date of the Golden Globes, implementing transformational changes as quickly – and as thoughtfully – as possible remains the top priority for our organization.”