‘Schitt’s Creek’ Actor Dan Levy Discusses HFPA’s Lack of Diversity for Golden Globes

Schitt’s Creek star Dan Levy called out the HFPA’s need for change in inclusion, diversity, and growth among Golden Globe nominations and inclusivity.

Pop TV’s most popular show, Schitt’s Creek, won “Best Television Series -Musical or Comedy” for the 2021 Golden Globes. Dan Levy, who played David Rose in the sitcom, indirectly called out the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) during his speech. 

During the speech, the screen was split between Eugene Levy and his son, Dan Levy. As Dan spoke, Eugene’s pride in his son was clear throughout the speech in his expressions. The father-son-duo created Shitts Creek together and have continued to showcase their bond.

He gracefully stated during his speech, “I hope that this time next year, this ceremony reflects the true breadth and diversity of the film and television being made today because there is so much more to be celebrated.”

Congratulations Team @SchittsCreek and I absolutely loved @danjlevy’s speech. Inclusion matters. Here’s to ensuring that organizations and institutions reflect the world in which we live across all dimensions of diversity. #GoldenGlobes

— Prasanna Ranganathan (@PRanganathan) March 1, 2021

HFPA is the group responsible for hosting the awards and choosing nominees. With recent allegations regarding Emily in Paris and their all White members, their association has come under heavy fire. In over twenty years, the association has failed to include a Black member and continues to overlook black-led ensembles and entertainment in their nominations.

“The group doesn’t currently have any Black journalists among its 87-person membership. In fact, the organization hadn’t had a Black member since at least 2002, when former HFPA president and board chair Meher Tatna joined,” Variety stated.

Dan Levy dropping some truth about inclusion and urging the #GoldenGlobes do better at acknowledging diversity during his #SchittsCreek series win. pic.twitter.com/xyxgbT3sPz

— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) March 1, 2021

Levy described his excitement for winning the award, yet takes the opportunity to discuss the changes needed within the HFPA and entertainment culture. During an interview with Vogue, Levy explained his stance on inclusivity for HFPA members: “And while I am grateful for any opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our cast and crew, I would be doing the core values of Schitt’s Creek a disservice by not adding my voice to the timely and necessary conversation calling for a more inclusive HFPA.”

Dan Levy was so flabbergasted but gave such a beautiful speech. 🥺 #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/50sc3QeLGf

— Sarah 🧚🏻‍♀️ (@beautiflgarbage) March 1, 2021

“One that acknowledges its responsibility as a voting body behind one of the most-watched award ceremonies of the year, and ensures that its membership better reflects the diversity of the world we live in, so that its ceremony can more accurately represent all that this industry has to offer,” He continued.

Black, LGBTQIA+, People of Color, Women directors, and other minorities appeared to be shut out from nominations. Especially this year, the association has come under intense scrutiny from media outlets, celebrities, directors, and fans of entertainment alike as they critique the HFPA on their lack of diversity and inclusion.

One of the main issues surrounding nominations is the lack of representation they provide considering the general population. The entertainment industry is working to provide a more inclusive look at the nation as a whole, depicting different languages, cultures, and lifestyles. Yet, the HFPA’s guidelines regarding many of the award categories do not reflect the current changing social sphere. Despite the nomination for Minari, the rules don’t specify that Motion Pictures need to be in English to be nominated. Meanwhile, the Foreign Film Category does state, “Must be a motion picture drama or musical or comedy with more than 50% non-English dialogue.” 

YAY, #SchittsCreek! What a way to go out after 6 seasons and a year into the pandemic. And, @danjlevy w/ important words about the HFPA being more inclusive and doing better next year w/ noms. #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/3BwIZnRH9j

— Katie Vance Forte (@KatieForte) March 1, 2021

Look forward to seeing the changes from HFPA. Representation matters #GoldenGlobes

— Black Girl Nerds (@BlackGirlNerds) March 1, 2021

Levy’s short but impactful speech gave insight into how HFPA and award shows need to become more inclusive, for all cultures, nationalities, and lifestyles alike. Levy implored inclusion efforts to be better, for the industry to continue to move forward into a safe sphere for all voices to be represented.