HFPA Sparks Controversy With Zero Black Members Out of 87, ‘Emily in Paris,’ the Golden Globes, and More
Here is everything you need to know about the activity going on at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and the controversy around Golden Globe nominations.
The HFPA is a nonprofit journalism organization. According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, HFPA has slowly increased the amount of money they pay to their 87 members for the various jobs they do. Since the journalism industry has had an economic downfall about a decade ago, the payment increases have started.
At a time when most Black and other POC journalists covering TV and film do not have staff jobs but are hustling hard as freelancers just to scrape by, that last point is an important part of this story, where allegedly the org is subsidizing its own members https://t.co/kFyUKLzC7A
— Nina Metz (@Nina_Metz) February 21, 2021
Possibly the most concerning part of the information is that out of the 87 members in the HFPA there isn’t a single Black member. Though they have several members of color, their lack of Black members speaks volumes about how they contribute to the systemic racism problem, especially in media and entertainment.
According to Variety, an inside source disclosed that the so-called members act more like employees.
the emily in paris news PLUS the reveal that the HFPA has NO black members……… disgusting!!!!
— bambino (@surrahmartine) February 23, 2021
“We are mindful of the unprecedented economic challenges facing our employees due to the effects of the pandemic,” an HFPA representative told the Los Angeles Times. “The HFPA is committed to maintaining the continuity of our skilled and experienced workforce to ensure our future success, and will continue to compensate them for the range of services they provide to the organization.”
Okay….this REALLY explains some of the head-scratching snubs….https://t.co/gmzEJZXvlJ
— Keith Murphy (@murphdogg29) February 22, 2021
This suspicious behavior has raised many questions revolving around taxes because they are an organization that doesn’t pay taxes. HFPA’s main project is the Golden Globe Awards, which is a widely popular event. However, the public has doubted some of their choices, feeling they are unfair towards many productions of color. Most recently, critics have wondered how the Netflix comedy Emily in Paris was considered, let alone nominated, for their ‘best comedy series’ category.
Allegedly, to sway the member’s votes for the Golden Globe Awards, more than 30 members were given a lavish trip to Paris sponsored by the Paramount Network. They were able to visit the set where Emily in Paris was filmed and visit many other special locations. This kind of treatment and opportunity to engage with the cast could explain why the show was nominated for a Golden Globe Award, unfairly passing over more inclusive works. To read more about the controversy surrounding the nominations of Emily in Paris, read our in-depth explanation here.
The HFPA has much to explain regarding many of their decisions, and hopefully takes the current backlash as a way to positively change their organization.
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