Sure, 'Emily in Paris' was a delight to watch. In the middle of a lockdown, as we sat on our couch at home, Emily was out there exploring one of the most romantic cities in the world. She was winning over people, acing at her job and living her best life. Something every girl hopes to experience at least once in her lifetime. However, the show is garnering a lot of attention right at the beginning of the awards season (sadly) for all the wrong reasons!
To begin with, the show received two Golden Globes nominations — best performance (Lily Collins) and best series - musical or comedy — which according to fans and critics, was a shocker. It has led to a dismaying trend that suggests; critically-acclaimed shows are not getting the recognition they deserve. Especially ones with Black women as protagonists!
Simmering arguments and notions point to shows such as Michaela Coel's 'I May Destroy You' and Issa Rae's 'Insecure', both critically-acclaimed. According to rating agency Rotten Tomatoes, I May Destroy You scores 98 per cent and Insecure at 96 per cent.
Showing her dismay with the trend, Emily in Paris show-writer Deborah Copaken wrote in an op-ed, "That I May Destroy You did not get one Golden Globe nod is not only wrong, it's what is wrong with everything."
The matter has also led to several other questions on the overall functioning of the awards. Who decided which shows get nominated? How does a show make it to the criteria? — etc.
Though we might not have answers to the questions, the LA times' shocking reports might have some. According to the report, Paramount flew about 30 of the HFPA to Paris for a set visit. These guests stayed at a five-star hotel costing $1,400 per night. Fancy, for sure!
The HFPA stands for Hollywood Foreign Press Association, a group of international journalists. Surprisingly, this association does not have a single black member. But why does it matter? HFPA hosts Golden Globes.
A massive controversy also unfurled after the LA Times report, leading HFPA vice president Helen Hoehne to declare, "We celebrate the work of artists from around the globe. We recognise we have our own work to do. Black representation is vital. We must have Black journalists in our organisation."
Coming back!
The LA Times report quoted a member who attended the set visit said, "They treated us like kings and queens." This move has led to speculations claiming that the 'visit' has a connection to the nominations. All these issues rightfully point to unfair play, upsetting people over the nomination of 'Emily in Paris'.
