BEVERLY HILLS, California, Jan 10 (Reuters) – Following two years of criticism for its lack of numerous membership, the Hollywood International Press Affiliation’s Golden Globes ceremony on Tuesday wasted no time placing the controversy within the highlight.
Host and comic Jerrod Carmichael opened his monologue with a blunt evaluation: that he was there as a result of “I am Black.”
“This present, the Golden Globe Awards, didn’t air final yr as a result of the Hollywood International Press Affiliation – which I will not say that they had been a racist group – however they did not have a single Black member till George Floyd died,” Carmichael mentioned.
He was referring to the homicide of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020, which sparked nationwide Black Lives Matter protests towards police killings and different violence towards Black folks. The watershed occasion impressed many organizations to create or reformulate anti-racist and inclusivity insurance policies.
In 2021, a Los Angeles Occasions investigation revealed the affiliation, or HFPA, had no Black journalists in its ranks. Some members had been accused of creating sexist and racist remarks and soliciting favors from celebrities and film studios.
The HFPA launched new ethics insurance policies, and expanded and diversified its membership. Amongst roughly 200 present voters, practically 52% are racially and ethnically numerous, together with 10% who’re Black.
Carmichael recalled being known as by Golden Globes producer Stephen Hill and being requested to host the awards. He jokingly addressed the discomfort of going from consuming mint tea someday to being requested to be the “Black face of a white group” the following, and mentioned deciding whether or not to emcee was a “ethical and racial dilemma.”
Nevertheless, Carmichael mentioned — with tongue in cheek — Hill assured him the provide was as a result of he is “gifted, charming, and one of many best comedians of a technology.”
“I took this job assuming that they (HFPA) hadn’t modified in any respect,” the host mentioned. “I heard they received six new Black members, congrats to them, no matter. Positive. However that is not why I am right here.”
Carmichael mentioned he determined to host due to the gifted folks within the room that he admires, calling them “unimaginable artists.”
“No matter regardless of the Hollywood International Press Affiliation’s previous could also be, that is a night the place we get to have fun, and I believe this business deserves evenings like these. I am glad you are right here,” he concluded.
Amongst roughly 200 present voters, practically 52% are racially and ethnically numerous, together with 10% who’re Black.
Whereas Carmichael hit the problem head-on, the checklist of winners additionally mirrored broad variety, and plenty of speeches aimed to raise numerous expertise. Tv director and producer Ryan Murphy, accepting a lifetime achievement award, highlighted the LGBTQ+ expertise within the room.
On the silver carpet, this yr’s Golden Globe winner for finest actress in “All the things In all places All at As soon as” Michelle Yeoh and “Elvis” director Baz Luhrmann additionally expressed the significance of celebrating all of the gifted folks concerned in Golden Globes.
“I believe it’s vital as a result of that is a global Golden Globe, proper? It encompasses all people and that’s one thing we always discuss, inclusivity,” Yeoh mentioned. “So, how will you not embody them? What I believe occurred is that they wanted to scrub all of it up. They wanted to get up to a brighter and extra lovely day.”
Yeoh believes that it’s time to maneuver forward.
Luhrmann echoed related sentiments, saying, “I believe the Golden Globes has actually walked the stroll, not simply talked the speak. They’ve made actual, vital modifications.”
“We’d like them as a result of that is about us all coming collectively and celebrating the flicks,” he added.
Reporting by Danielle Broadway, Lisa Richwine and Rollo Ross; Enhancing by Mary Milliken and Jonathan Oatis
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