Shonda Rhimes recently disclosed that the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) was initially reluctant to promote her groundbreaking series, ‘Bridgerton’, which features a predominantly Black cast. The HFPA, known for presenting the Golden Globe awards, has frequently come under fire for its failure to recognize diverse films and television productions. Rhimes took to social media to shed light on the organization’s alleged bias against Black-led projects like ‘Bridgerton’, ‘Girls Trip’, and ‘Queen & Slim’.
Even hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler criticized the Golden Globes for their lack of diversity during their opening remarks. Rhimes shared her frustrations on Twitter, stating, “HFPA rejected our press conference until it became a ‘surprise hit’ (think Grey’s, Scandal, and Murder). Yet, they still invited me to present at the Globes. This isn’t just about us; it’s indicative of the HFPA’s larger issues. They’ve ignited this fire with their own ignorance.” She expressed concern for the talented creators and shows that never got the opportunity they deserved.
Despite ‘Bridgerton’ achieving record-breaking viewership on Netflix—streaming in over 80 million households and staying in the top 10 across 190 countries for weeks—it received no Golden Globe nominations, despite critical acclaim. The Screen Actors Guild acknowledged its merit by nominating it for Best Ensemble in a Drama Series and Best Lead Actor for Regé-Jean Page, who portrayed the Duke of Hastings. As buzz around the series grew during the holiday season, the HFPA scrambled to set up a promotional event just before voting closed, but it was too late to make a difference.
Ava DuVernay, another prominent figure in the industry, supported Rhimes by sharing her own experiences with the HFPA while promoting her Netflix series, ‘When They See Us’. She noted that only a handful of HFPA members attended their press conference, and their lack of engagement was palpable. Despite receiving 16 Emmy nominations and winning two, ‘When They See Us’ was also overlooked by the Golden Globes last year.
As the HFPA faces scrutiny, many hope that it not only addresses its shortcomings but also fundamentally re-evaluates its approach before the next awards season.
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Summary
Shonda Rhimes revealed that the HFPA initially dismissed ‘Bridgerton’, a series featuring a diverse cast, until it became a massive hit. Despite its popularity and critical acclaim, the show was denied Golden Globe nominations. Ava DuVernay echoed Rhimes’ frustrations, highlighting the HFPA’s lack of support for diverse projects. As the awards continue to face criticism, there’s hope for change in their approach.