Scarlett Johansson (36) has spoken out in a statement against the Hollywood Foreign Press Agency (HFPA), the organization of journalists and photographers that reports on the American entertainment industry for media outside the US. They also host the Golden Globes every year. The actress disagrees with the lack of diversity and transparency within the organization.
“As an actor promoting a film, you are expected to attend press conferences and award shows. In the past, this often meant dealing with sexist questions and comments from certain HFPA members who scraped against sexual harassment, ”says the ‘Black Widow’ actress. “For that reason, I refused to participate in those press conferences for years.”
Recently, several actors – including Scarlett’s Avengers colleague Mark Ruffalo – protest groups and film studios such as Netflix and Amazon have already criticized the lack of diversity and transparency within the press organization. In response, the HFPA already put forward some proposals on Thursday to expand the organization, which currently does not include any black members.
According to Scarlett, the HFPA is an organization set up by people like Harvey Weinstein – the former film producer convicted of sexual abuse. The goal was to generate attention for the Oscars, which she said would be listened to properly. “Unless the necessary fundamental reform takes place within the organization, I feel it is time to step back from the HFPA and focus on the importance and strength of unity within our unions and the industry as a whole.”