Golden Globes 2023 Reminded Us We’re Still Looking to Broken Institutions for Validation

In this op-ed, writer Sara Li reflects on the Golden Globes 2023 and whether recent HFPA reforms have resulted in a changed awards process.

Hollywood institutions — whether it be the Golden Globes, the Oscars, or studios themselves — have a history of implicit denial of the rampant sexism, classism, and racism that runs freely in the industry. In the last few years, even as these issues come to surface, there’s been a real lack of actual accountability within the entertainment world. As the Golden Globes returned for its 80th ceremony on Jan. 10, accountability and reform were on the minds of those watching (and hosting, and attending) as much as who won which awards.

In 2021 when the Los Angeles Times exposed the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s ethical lapses and lack of diversity, it felt like popping a long-awaited bubble in La La Land. The outlet reported that there were no Black members in the 87-member voting body at the time, and that the institution accepted “freebies” from studios courting favorship. The detailed chronicles of the problems within the organization led NBC to cancel its broadcast of the 2022 ceremony (although, notably, a ceremony still did happen behind closed doors and with limited attendance).

In response, the HFPA announced that they would be reforming by diversifying membership (they added six Black members in late 2021) and banning promotional gifts, including trips, from outside parties. With these behind the scenes reforms top of mind, it doesn’t come as a surprise that all eyes were on this years’ Golden Globes to see if much — or anything — had changed on the show’s front end.

Even prior to the ceremony starting, Brendan Fraser (who was nominated for best actor for The Whale) said he would not be in attendance. In 2021, Tom Cruise (whose movie Top Gun: Maverick, was nominated for two awards this year) handed back three Golden Globes and did not attend.

When it comes to repairing the damages that Hollywood institutions have caused, it’s understandable why many are skeptical about real change. Traditionally, as seen with campaigns like #OscarsSoWhite, there is only a surface level attempt to reform, while the real institutional powers remain the same. 

However, the elephant in the room was quickly pointed out within the first few minutes of the Golden Globes 2023 ceremony. Host Jerrod Carmichael introduced the night with a loaded statement, telling the audience, “I am your host Jerrod Carmichael and I’ll tell you why I’m here, I’m here because I’m Black.” He also went on to joke: “I won’t say [the HFPA] were a racist organization, but they didn’t have a single Black member until George Floyd died, so do with that information what you will.” To set the mood for the night, there were only a few awkward chuckles that quickly stopped.

In his opening monologue, Carmichael continued, “One minute you’re making mint tea at home, the next you’re invited to be the Black face of an embattled white organization. Life really comes at you fast, you know?”