Since 1963, Miss Golden Globe has been a staple of the Golden Globes, one of the most glorified nights in Hollywood. The lucky girl, or sometimes guy (Mr. Golden Globe), is tasked with ushering the winners off-stage after their heartfelt acceptance speeches. Starting in 1971, the role of Miss Golden Globe became filled by a celebrity’s daughter, or son, and has become increasingly competitive to attain. The parents of Hollywood vie for their child to be graced with the celebrated title.
But this year, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) made the momentous decision to change the title of Miss Golden Globe to the “Golden Globe Ambassador.” Simone Garcia Johnson, the 16-year-old daughter of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, is the first recipient of this new designation. HFPA President Meher Tatna spoke in regards to the change of title, saying:
“As we look forward to the 75th anniversary of the Golden Globe Awards, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association members decided to expand this role to embody the HFPA’s philanthropic efforts year round. The honoree will now be referred to as the Golden Globe Ambassador and we could not think of a better representative than Simone to carry on this tradition, as her values closely reflect everything the HFPA stands for.”
Simone stated that she will use her new title to encourage young people to become advocates in their communities.
“As the newly minted Golden Globe Ambassador, I hope to serve as a role model to young people everywhere and empower them to speak out on issues they are passionate about,” Johnson said, according to Vanity Fair.
The change in name is also meant to create a more inclusive title, according to Anke Hoffman, vice president of the HFPA.
“Now, it’s gender-neutral, and the ambassador could be a woman, a man, a transgender,” Hoffman said in a New York Times article.
Miss Golden Globe has been a long-standing tradition, and has even been attributed with jump-starting many young people’s careers. The notable alumni of the role include Melanie Griffith (then her daughter Dakota Johnson 31 years later), Laura Dern, Freddie Prinze, Jr., Rumer Willis, Corinne Foxx, and the three Stallone sisters.
The first Golden Globe Ambassador marks a new tradition for the HFPA. With increased philanthropic duties and an inclusive title, future Ambassadors will have a more powerful voice with which to inspire America’s youth in this critical time in Hollywood.
Image Credit: Vox