Scarlett Johansson has become the latest high-profile figure to criticise the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the organisation behind the Golden Globe Awards, over its handling of diversity and ethical issues. The 36-year-old actress, who has been nominated for five Golden Globes, called for a boycott of the HFPA until it implements 'fundamental reform'.
In a statement, Johansson recalled facing 'sexist questions and remarks by certain HFPA members that bordered on sexual harassment'. She urged others in the film industry to step back from the HFPA and focus on unity within unions and the industry as a whole. Her comments follow an exposé in the Los Angeles Times in February which revealed that the organisation had no black members among its 87 voting members.
The HFPA this week voted to introduce reforms, including widening its membership with emphasis on recruiting black members, hiring diversity advisers, and loosening its strict admission rules. However, critics argue these measures do not go far enough. Mark Ruffalo, Johansson's Avengers co-star, described the reforms as 'discouraging' and said he could no longer feel proud of his Golden Globe win.
Netflix and Amazon Studios have also paused their business relationships with the HFPA until more meaningful changes are made. More than 100 Hollywood public relations firms have threatened to advise their clients against working with the organisation unless it addresses accusations of 'discriminatory behaviour, unprofessionalism, ethical impropriety and alleged financial corruption'.
The HFPA has defended its reforms, with president Ali Sar stating that the vote to reform reaffirms their commitment to change. But the mounting backlash suggests the Golden Globes organisers face an uphill battle to restore trust within the entertainment industry.
