Are the Golden Globes Golden Outside the Hollywood Bubble?

What’s in this article: 

• A quick look at whether today’s most crucial societal issues were addressed during the 2021 Golden Globes 
• Brands and organizations can learn from Hollywood’s mistakes 

On March 1, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey hosted the 78th Golden Globe Awards and thousands of viewers watched the ceremony from home. This year, though, just like everything else, things are different. 

Besides the fact that the ceremony was held virtually – the audience had expectations that might have been different than years before. Things that have been especially important in a social climate that is still very much sensitive. 

So, is Hollywood still glorifying the elite bubble? Is Hollywood white, straight and male as ever? Let’s find out. And where is the Hollywood Foreign Press Association when it comes to the current Zeitgeist? 

Race: Wrong 

HFPA’s lack of diverse representation is significant. The organization has been called out left, right, and center since the Golden Globes by numerous actors and organizations. 

In fact, HFPA’s lack of Black voting members became a wave of industry criticism and an entire controversy of the 2021 Golden Globes ceremony. 

At the beginning of the Globes weekend, the #TimesUp organization issued its statement, calling on the HFPA to go beyond a “cosmetic fix” with the following message on social media: 

“Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Not a single Black member out of the 87 members. A cosmetic fix isn’t enough #TimesUpGlobes.” 

Amy Schumer, Spike Lee, Jennifer Aniston, Mark Ruffalo, and so many more Hollywood stars have been supporting that. 

In response, a 43-second telecast during the ceremony showed HFPA leaders pledge to diversify their ranks. 

“Tonight, while we celebrate the work of artists from around the globe, we recognize we have our own work to do,” said Helen Hoehne, the HFPA’s vice president. “Just like in film and television, representation is vital. We must have Black journalists in our organization.” 

While former president of the organization, Meher Tatna, added that the HFPA “must also ensure everyone from all underrepresented communities gets a seat at our table, and we are going to make that happen.” 

Therefore, it’s crucial that the HFPA addresses the systemic problems within their organization.  

And, if your brand hasn’t done so already, now’s the time to put in the rigorous effort and work to implement a plan, too. 

Gender Equality: Right 

Women breaking barriers in all aspects of life pave the way for future generations. This year, the Golden Globes nominations inspired women from across the globe as well – right in time for Women’s History Month. 

Chloe Zhao became the first women director and the first Asian director to win Best Picture and Best Director at the Golden Globes. 

While Jane Fonda’s acceptance speech has generated buzz for her powerful and inspiring words. 

Golden Globe hosts Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, had heart and star designs drawn on their hands which in the Netflix film, Moxie, is meant to signal support for the feminist revolution. 

Just one tiny thing here: Jason Sudeikis accepted his Best Television Actor in a Musical or Comedy Series Award for Ted Lasso in a brightly colored tie-dye sweatshirt. 

Some would call this a double standard for how men and women should dress to one of the world’s most fashionable events that normally starts on the red carpet. 

But overall, it seems like at this aspect, at least, HFPA’s main event came across as “woke”.