As Hollywood slowly recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, the public is finally getting a taste of normalcy with the beginning of award season, kicked off by the Golden Globes. The ceremony was hosted by comedian best friends, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, and was held on Sun. Feb, 28, fully virtually.
The big winners of the night were “Nomadland” and “Borat Subsequent MovieFilms”, earning the awards of Best Picture in the Drama and Comedy or Musical categories, respectively. On the other hand, the late Chadwick Boseman posthumously won Best Actor for his role in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, while Andra Day won Best Actress for her performance in The United States vs. Billie Holiday.
The show was overshadowed, however, by the news that there are no Black members in the Hollywood Foreign Press, the organization in charge of the event. During the show, HFPA President Ali Sar, Vice President Helen Hoehne and former President Meher Tatna, addressed the issue.
“Just like in film and television, Black representation is vital. We must have Black journalists in our organization,” Hoehne began. “We must also ensure that everyone from all underrepresented communities gets a seat at our table, and we are going to make it happen,” Tatna continued.
It is shameful that in such a progressive era as the 21st century, the HFPA still lacks such a basic need as diversity. Every year, the same issue is addressed in Hollywood events, with the promise that it will be resolved, and every year we come back with the same disappointment. It is time for people in power in Hollywood to stop making false promises, and start working towards a more open and hopeful entertainment industry.
“Look, a lot of flashy garbage got nominated but that happens okay? That’s like their thing,” Poehler said. “But a number of Black actors and Black-led projects were overlooked.”
Although this news comes as extremely infuriating, it is also refreshing to see some records being made and people of color getting the recognition they deserve. Daniel Kaluuya won Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for his performance in Judas and the Black Messiah. While Chloe Zhao was recognized as Best Director, making her the second woman and the first female of color to get this award. At the same time, Disney’s “Soul” won the Best Animated Feature Film and Original Score.
The Golden Globes this year were definitely memorable. From the first-ever virtual ceremony, stunning dresses modeled at home, to controversies and promises of improvement, the Golden Globes were far from unexciting. It was a great kickoff to what promises to be a one-of-a-kind award season.