Scarlett Johansson Believes Golden Globes Still Needs A ‘Fundamental Reform’

Actress Scarlett Johansson has joined in criticizing the body that organizes the Golden Globe Awards for how it plans to deal with racism and discrimination.

Organizers of the Golden Globe, Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) are accused of lack of diversity and dignified performance.

Fundamental Reform

Earlier this week the organization voted for a change in its membership.

But Ms Johansson is among stars and industry figures who say it still needs “fundamental reform”.

Why The Criticism Against GGA?

The Golden Globes are only second to Oscars in terms of profile, but promoters are accused of discriminatory practices, accepting “freebies” and other moral failures.

In February, an announcement in the Los Angeles Times revealed that there were no black people among the organization’s members voting for the awards.

This week, HFPA unveiled a package of changes to how it works with the aim of making the organization more inclusive.

Diversity Inculcation

It includes expanding its membership, emphasizing the hiring of black members, and hiring diversity advisers. It also said it would loosen its cloak of secrecy and strict admission rules.

“Today’s call for reform of the Organization reaffirms our commitment to change,” HFPA president Ali Sar said in a statement Thursday.

Many high-profile Hollywood celebrities say these measures are not good enough.

What Did Scarlett Say?

Ms Johansson, who was nominated for five Golden Globes, urged others in the film industry to boycott the organization without it making major changes internally.

The 36-year-old recalls facing “sexist questions and remarks by certain HFPA members that bordered on sexual harassment”.

“Unless there are significant changes in the organization, I believe it is time to take action on the HFPA and focus on the importance and strengthening of unity in our unions and the sector as a whole,” he said.

Ms Johansson’s Avengers co-star Mark Ruffalo joined her, writing that the HFPA’s reforms were “discouraging” in a social media post on Friday.

‘Time To Correct The Past Mistakes’

“Now is the time for us to step up and correct the mistakes of the past,” he said. “To be honest, as a recent Golden Globe winner, I can’t be proud or happy to be the winner of this award.”

Meanwhile, Netflix and Amazon studios have said they will stop doing business with HFPA until it continues with its transformation plans.

Netflix chief executive Ted Sarandos said he was setting aside their relationship “until radical changes were made”.

Criticism of the HFPA came to the fore in February when the LA Times wrote its disclosure outlining allegations of misconduct and other behaviours.

Following the story, more than 100 Hollywood PR firms have threatened to advise independent stars not to work with HFPA if a change is not made.

They accused the organization of “racist behavior, misconduct, and financial corruption allegations”.

The group said despite the changes this week it would continue to boycott the HFPA.