Scarlett’s blast at ‘sexist’ Globes voters
SCARLETT Johansson has criticised the body which produces the Golden Globe film awards, pointing to alleged ‘sexist questions and remarks’ by members.
The 36-year-old actress is the latest high-profile figure to speak out against the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) amid claims about sexism and attitudes to race.
She accused members of asking her questions bordering on harassment and said the film industry should ‘step back’ from the organisation.
The star, who has received five Golden Globe nominations in her career, said on Saturday: ‘As an actor promoting a film, one is expected to participate in awards season by attending press conferences as well as awards shows.
‘In the past, this has often meant facing sexist questions and remarks by certain HFPA members that bordered on sexual harassment.’
Her comments came after streaming giants Netflix and Amazon criticised the HFPA, with Netflix chief executive Ted Sarandos saying his company would not take part in the Globes until significant changes take place. Earlier this year it was revealed that the group had no members who were black, while a former president had emailed fellow members an article which referred to the Black Lives Matter campaign as a ‘racist hate movement’.
Some 75 of the 86 members of the HFPA have backed a plan to address the concerns, but industry figures remain unconvinced. HFPA president Ali Sar said its plans would ‘drive meaningful reform and inclusion’.
The Golden Globe awards, held since 1944, are voted for by the members of the HFPA and are seen as a key indicator of who will do well at the Oscars.