Golden Globes 2023: moderator denounces racism scandal

Jerrod Carmichael
At the Golden Globes, he addresses the racism scandal

Jerrod Carmichael

© Rich Polk / Picture Alliance

This year’s Golden Globes ceremony started with a bang: In his opening monologue, host Jerrod Carmichael denounced the racism scandal surrounding the 2022 awards show and emphasized: “I’m only here because I’m black.”

On Tuesday, January 10, 2023, Hollywood stars once again gracefully walked the red carpet at the Golden Globes. Last year, the winners of the awards were only announced in the empty ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel – without guests, without a show, without a TV broadcast. The reason: The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the award’s voting committee, was accused of sexism and a lack of diversity, among other things. This year’s host, comedian Jerrod Carmichael, 35, doesn’t let his employer get away with it and makes for a memorable start.

Golden Globes 2023: Host Jerrod Carmichael speaks plain text

The actor opens the awards show by addressing the reason the show didn’t air last year. “I’m going to tell you why I’m here. I’m only here because I’m Black,” Carmichael says, addressing the proverbial elephant in the room as he takes a seat on the steps of the Beverly Hilton Hotel’s stage.

“That show, the Golden Globe Awards, didn’t air last year because the Hollywood Foreign Press Association — I’m not saying it’s a racist organization — didn’t have a single black member until George Floyd [2020] died. So do what you like with this information,” he continues. Finally, he recalls the moment when he was offered to host the ceremony, when he was asked to cover the “black face” of these “controversial white people”. Organization”. Accepting the offer was not easy for the actor.

Comedian didn’t take the decision lightly

He first got in touch with Golden Globes producer Stephen Hill and told him how ambivalent he was about the whole thing. On the one hand, it is a “great opportunity” for him to lead through such an award ceremony for the first time. On the other hand, it bothers him to be asked only because he is black. “You were asked to host this show because you’re talented. You’re asked to host this show because you’re charming,” Hill replied.

He then consulted with friends and then decided to take the job to honor the film and series industry. The comedian adds with a wink that the fee also played a role in Jerrod Carmichael’s considerations.

Jerrod Carmichael

Jerrod Carmichael

© Rich Polk / Picture Alliance

Award was canceled in 2022

In February 2021, the Golden Globes came under fire when an exposé from the Los Angeles Times revealed that there were no black members in the HFPA. Many Hollywood stars were outraged and boycotted the event. In May of the same year, NBC announced that it would not broadcast the awards ceremony due to the news and the reactions. Instead, the Golden Globes took place on a smaller scale at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Due to the increase in the highly contagious Omicron COVID-19 cases at the time, neither spectators nor nominees were present.

Sources used: goldenglobes.com, youtube.com, latimes.com

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