Ava DuVernay addresses Golden Globes’ lack of diversity as HFPA confirms it has no Black members

Ava DuVernay said she assumed it was ‘already widely known’ that the Hollywood Foreign Press Association had no Black members, in the wake of reports delving into detail about the lack of inclusivity in regards to the Golden Globes.

The 48-year-old Selma director reacted under a tweet from The Hollywood Reporter about a Los Angeles Times probe of the HFPA that read, ‘L.A. Times Reveals HFPA Has Zero Black Members, Raises New Questions About Ethics of Golden Globe Voters.’

DuVernay wrote in response, ‘Reveals? As in, people are acting like this isn’t already widely known? For YEARS?’

The latest: Ava DuVernay, 48, said she assumed it was ‘already widely known’ that the Hollywood Foreign Press Association had no Black members, in the wake of reports delving into detail about the lack of inclusivity in regards to the Golden Globes

Oscar-winning actress Regina King responded with a GIF of Drake acknowledging the remark made by DuVernay, who responded with a GIF of Sinbad saying, ‘Those are the facts.’ 

The HFPA told the Times they are ‘committed to addressing’ the issue, which has been scrutinized for notable snubs to Black entertainers including Zendaya (Malcolm & Marie), Da 5 Bloods director Spike Lee and actor Delroy Lindo for their work amid the crop of contenders.

Other snubs for the Globes included the show’s Best Picture categories in musicals and dramas, as Da 5 Bloods, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and Judas and the Black Messiah; and the HBO show I May Destroy You from Michaela Coel.

Among the Black artists who were recognized with nominations include Viola Davis and the late Chadwick Boseman of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and The United States vs. Billie Holiday’s Andra Day. 

Feedback: The Selma director reacted under a tweet from The Hollywood Reporter about a Los Angeles Times probe of the HFPA

Oscar-winning actress Regina King responded with a GIF of Drake acknowledging the remark made by DuVernay, who responded with a GIF of Sinbad saying, ‘Those are the facts’

An HFPA rep told the Times, ‘We do not control the individual votes of our members,’ adding that they are focused on fostering ‘cultural understanding through film and TV and recognize how the power of creative storytelling can educate people around the world to issues of race, representation, and orientation.’  

DuVernay earlier this week announced that she will lead off her new Spotify deal with a podcast detailing the Law Enforcement Accountability Project (LEAP), Deadline reported. 

The podcast takes a close look at cases in which police officers committed murders, and the consequences they faced as a result.