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Golden Globes 2021: Tina Fey and Amy Poehler mock HFPA for lack of diversity as group makes a 'big statement'

The HFPA came under fire last week for the absence of Black members in the committee of 87 members from across the world

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) invited a lot of backlash just before the Golden Globes 2021 Awards for their exclusion of the Black community in the committee for almost 20 years. The HFPA was criticized by fans and stars alike who joined the #TimesUpGlobes protest for the absence of Black members in the 87-membered team from across the world. 

While hosting the first bicoastal Golden Globes, comedians Tina Fey and Amy Poehler addressed the controversy with some pointed remarks. Later, HFPA also formally addressed the issue and promised a more inclusive future. 

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What did Tina Fey and Amy Poehler say?

As part of her opening monologue, Fey spoke about the lack of Black members in the HFPA with her classic sense of humor. "The HFPA is made up of about 90 international no black journalists. We say around 90 because a couple of them might be just ghosts and it’s rumored the German member is just a sausage that somebody drew a little face on," Fey said in a brutal roast of the HFPA.

Poehler started speaking about the topic on a serious note, saying how everyone is 'understandably upset at the HFPA and their choices'. But she continued: “A lot of flashy garbage got nominated. But that happens, that’s like their thing. A number of black actors and black-led projects were overlooked.” 

After joking about how award shows are a big 'scam' invented by the big red carpet, Fey added, “Inclusivity is important and there are no black members of the HFPA. I realize you didn’t get the memo, HFPA, because your workplace is the back booth of a French McDonald’s, but you gotta change that. So here’s to changing it.”

Poehler agreed as she said, "I'm looking forward to that change."

What did HFPA say?

HFPA formally addressed the issue with their Vice President Helen Hoehne from Germany, former President and Board Chair Meher Tatna and President Ali Sar.  The trio spoke about the issue with the promise of more inclusivity in the upcoming future. 

"We must ensure everyone from all underrepresented communities get a seat at our table — and we are going to make that happen,” said Meher Tatna, who was the one to reveal that HFPA has not had a Black member in two decades. Hoehne stated, "While we celebrate the work of artists from around the globe, we recognize we have our own work to do. Just like in film and television, black representation is vital. We must have black journalists in our organization.”

President Ali Sar added, "That means creating an environment where diverse membership is the norm and not the exception," adding that the committee looks forward to a more inclusive future.

'Good job HFPA'

Kerry Washington wrote: "Thank you Amy Poehler and Tina Fey for bringing the lack of representation in the HFPA to light. Real change must come #GoldenGlobes". Another social media user hit out at the HFPA saying "Good job HFPA!" for addressing the racism in a six sentence speech that lasted 43 seconds. "Gotta love the HFPA's "big statement" on inclusion! #GoldenGlobes" mocked another user. Another tweeted: "Me looking for any empathy in that “srry for being racist” response from the HFPA"