Scarlett Johansson joins Hollywood heavyweights calling for reform of body behind Golden Globes

A-lister Scarlett Johansson has issued an unprecedented statement slamming Hollywood’s most controversial awards show.

Actor Scarlett Johansson is the latest in a long line of Hollywood figures who are calling time on the organisation behind the Golden Globes.

In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, the A-lister urged the film industry on Saturday to “step back” from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association saying she has faced “sexist questions and remarks” at press conferences.

“As an actor promoting a film, one is expected to participate in awards season by attending press conferences as well as awards shows. 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.

Scarlett Johansson has criticised the organisation behind the Golden Globes. Picture: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

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The five time Golden Globe nominee actor also called for change in her carefully worded statement “Unless there is necessary fundamental reform within the organisation, I would believe it is time that we take a step back from the HFPA”.

The star’s stance came a day after Johansson’s fellow Marvel co-star and three-time Oscar nominee Mark Ruffalo also distanced himself from the Globes.

Mark Ruffalo has also distanced himself from the Golden Globes. Picture: Alfredo Estrella/AFP

“Honestly, as a recent winner of a Golden Globe, I cannot feel proud or happy about being a recipient of this award.” the actor shared.

The statements follow a letter to the organisation from Netflix. Despite the giant receiving more nominations and wins than any other studio or network at the Golden Globes this year, the streaming service’s CEO Ted Sarandos announced they would stop working with the Globes unless “more meaningful changes are made”.

Amazon Studios chief Jennifer Salke has also spoken out. She said in a statement that Amazon had “not been working with the HFPA since these issues were first raised, and like the rest of the industry, we are awaiting a sincere and significant resolution before moving forward”.

The Golden Globes organisers have been accused of a lack of diversity. Picture: Valerie Macon/AFP

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In February, the Globes were hit with resistance on social media from Hollywood notables such as This Is Us actor Sterling K. Brown, Star Wars’ director J.J. Abrams and Selma director Ava DuVernay voicing their anger with the HFPA.

This followed a report in The Los Angeles Times listing several ethical breaches.

The recent backlash from Johansson, Ruffalo and streaming services comes after the 75 of the HFPA’S 86 board members on Thursday voted for sweeping reforms after being called out by Hollywood for its record on diversity.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association – a group of journalists best known for presiding over the annual Golden Globe Awards – has been reeling since a report in February exposed the organisations demographics and ethics. It revealed that there are no black journalists in the group.

Pressure mounts from actors and streaming services for the HFPA to reform Picture: Robyn Beck/AFP

The organisation’s lack of diversity has been frequently criticised in the press. In March, it was also revealed that a former president was found to have referred to Black Lives Matter as a “hate movement”.

The report means the organisation will now seek to reform. They will hire a search firm to bring in a new CEO and Chief of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, and create a hotline to report violations of conduct. New members are also expected to be added to the board.

The stance of prominent Hollywood figures and streaming giants will no doubt add pressure to the HFPA to make substantial changes.