Scarlett Johansson has called for a boycott of the Golden Globes, criticizing the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the organization responsible for the awards, over sexism and lack of diversity.
In a statement released on Thursday, the 36-year-old actress urged others in the film industry to avoid the HFPA unless significant reforms are made to address these concerns.
Johansson, nominated for five Golden Globe Awards, explained that actors must attend press conferences and award shows during the awards season.
However, she stated that these events have often involved sexist questions and remarks from certain HFPA members, which sometimes bordered on sexual harassment.
As a result, Johansson admitted that she had avoided participating in the HFPA’s events for years due to these negative experiences.
She emphasized that unless the HFPA undergoes fundamental changes, the film industry should step back and focus on uniting within their unions to promote a more inclusive and respectful environment.
Johansson’s statement comes amid ongoing criticism of the HFPA’s lack of diversity, with revelations earlier this year that none of the organization’s 90 members were Black.
In March, former HFPA president Philip Berk was expelled after forwarding an email calling Black Lives Matter a “hate movement.” Additionally, diversity consultants hired to help the HFPA address its inclusivity issues resigned over the organization’s slow progress.
Beyond racial diversity, the HFPA has also faced criticism for not being inclusive enough to women or members of the LGBTQ+ community.
This week, the HFPA approved a series of reforms to address these criticisms, including plans to increase membership by 50% over the next 18 months and include Black journalists.
They also pledged to hire diversity consultants and to end the restrictive and opaque admission practices.
Despite these measures, some, like actor Mark Ruffalo, feel the HFPA’s reforms are insufficient.
Ruffalo, who recently won his first Golden Globe, released a scathing statement to Deadline, criticizing the HFPA for resisting the changes demanded by many disenfranchised groups.
“It’s discouraging to see the HFPA, which has gained prominence and profited handsomely from their involvement with filmmakers and actors, resist the change being asked of them,” he stated.
Ruffalo added that he couldn’t feel proud of his award under these circumstances and called for greater equality within the entertainment industry.
Johansson’s call for a boycott highlights the growing dissatisfaction with the HFPA’s handling of diversity and sexism issues.
With pressure mounting, the future of the Golden Globes and the HFPA’s reputation hangs in the balance as they seek to navigate these turbulent times.
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