“As an actor promoting a movie, you are expected to participate in awards season by attending press conferences as well as award shows,” Johansson said. in his press release. “In the past, this has often meant dealing with sexist questions and remarks from some HFPA members that border on sexual harassment. This is the exact reason why I for many years refused to attend their conferences.
“The HFPA is an organization that has been legitimized by the likes of Harvey Weinstein to drive Academy recognition, and the industry has followed suit. Unless there is some fundamental reform needed within the organization, I think it is time we took a step back from the HFPA and focused on the importance and strength of unity within our unions and the industry as a whole.
Johansson’s statement continues the breaking of the dam against HFPA, a move that began midweek when Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos spoke out and said the studio would not be participating in HFPA events until he wouldn’t have reorganized his organizational goals. Amazon Studios, GLAAD, The Black Journalists Assn., Time’s Up, and numerous Hollywood publicists have also denounced the HFPA’s actions.
Still silent is Disney, whose Black Widow starring Johansson is coming to theaters and Disney+ Premier Access in July.
