NEWSTom Cruise Returns Golden Globe Awards As HFPA Controversy Rages On For Lack Of Diverse Inclusion
Making a statement. Tom Cruise has reportedly returned his Golden Globe Awards on Monday, May 10, to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association in light of the recent controversy surrounding the organization.
The Hollywood star previously won Best Actor for his performances in Jerry Maguire in 1997 and Born on the Fourth of July in 1990, as well as Best Supporting Actor for Magnolia in 2000.
The Top Gun star's bold move comes after HFPA — the small group of international journalists who determine the nominees and winners of the Golden Globe Awards every year — came under fire for their lack of diversity, specifically for having no Black members, and inclusion initiatives.
There has also been ethical questions regarding the benefits to some of its 87 members, which were brought to light after a February investigation by the Los Angeles Times.
On Monday, NBC also announced that it would not broadcast the Golden Globes in 2022, explaining that the group needs time to adequately address the various issues.
"We continue to believe that the HFPA is committed to meaningful reform. However, change of this magnitude takes time and work, and we feel strongly that the HFPA needs time to do it right," the network told CNN Business. "As such, NBC will not air the 2022 Golden Globes."
HFPA has since released their own statement to their website, pledging to make the necessary changes, and included a day-to-day plan of what modifications will be made. "Regardless of the next air date of the Golden Globes, implementing transformational changes as quickly — and as thoughtfully — as possible remains the top priority for our organization," the statement read.
"We invite our partners in the industry to the table to work with us on the systemic reform that is long overdue, both in our organization as well as within the industry at large," they concluded.
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Some of the biggest names and outlets in Hollywood first turned on HFPA following their vote on Monday, May 3, to approve changes within the organization. The group said they would admit 20 new members in 2021, with a "specific focus" on recruiting Black members. HFPA also shared a broad goal of increasing the membership by 50% within the next 18 months.
On Thursday, May 6, Netflix's co-CEO and chief content officer Ted Sarandos sent a letter to their leadership committee, insisting the modifications wouldn't be enough to fix the broad scope of issues within the organization.
As OK! reported, Scarlett Johansson recently joined the movement against HFPA, slamming the organization and calling for the entertainment community to take a step back from participating in events sponsored by the group.
"As an actor promoting a film, one is expected to participate in awards season by attending press conferences as well as awards shows," she said in a statement to Variety. "In the past, this has often meant facing sexist questions and remarks by certain HFPA members that bordered on sexual harassment. It is the exact reason why I, for many years, refused to participate in their conferences."
The Black Widow actress alleged that the HFPA "was legitimized by the likes of Harvey Weinstein to amass momentum for Academy recognition and the industry followed suit." To conclude, she urged actors, publicists, studios and media organizations to "step back from the HFPA" until there is "necessary fundamental reform within the organization."
Last week, Amazon Studios chief Jennifer Salke also shared a statement, saying they are distancing themselves from HFPA until they see a "sincere and significant resolution."
In addition, GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis shared a statement on Friday, May 7, shaming the group for their lack of inclusion when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community. The president insisted it is time for HFPA to reflect the "full intersectional diversity of Hollywood."
USA Today reported Cruise had his awards returned to the HFPA headquarters on Monday.
