Norman Lear.Photo: Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage
Norman Learis making his thoughts known.
On Sunday evening, ahead of becoming the third-ever recipient of the Carol Burnett Award at the 2021Golden Globe Awards, the 98-year-old actor shared his thoughts on the controversy surrounding the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’slack of Black members.
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“And I know it’s on everybody’s mind,” he continued. “I’m eager to hear what they have to say about it.”
Closing out his message, Lear added: “And I know that the future will see us all working together. Black, brown, white, all of us. Bless us all.”
Earlier this month, theLos Angeles Timespublished anew reportabout the members of the HFPA, which is a small group of 87 international journalists that determine the nominees and winners of theGolden Globeseach year.
Published exactly a week before Sunday’s 78th annual ceremony, the report claimed that the HFPA has several members of color, but no Black members. For many years, the group has allegedly limited its membership due to concerns over competition, the report also stated.
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In response to the lack of Black members, an HFPA representative told theLA Timesthat the group is aware of the issue and is “committed to addressing” it.
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During theGolden Globes, Lear — who is known for creating groundbreaking comedy series such asAll in the Family,The JeffersonsandGood Times— will receive the Carol Burnett Award.
The honor is presented annually to an honoree who has made outstanding contributions to the television medium on or off the screen, and was first introduced at the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards.
Previous recipients includeEllen DeGeneres(2020) and its namesake,Carol Burnett(2019).
“Norman Lear is among the most prolific creators of this generation,” Ali Sar, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, said in a prior statement. “His career has encompassed both the Golden Age and streaming era, throughout which his progressive approach addressing controversial topics through humor prompted a cultural shift that allowed social and political issues to be reflected in television.”
Sar added, “His work revolutionized the industry and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association is honored to name him as the 2021 Carol Burnett Award recipient.”
The 78th AnnualGolden GlobesAwards are airing live on NBC from 5-8 p.m. PT/8-11 p.m. ET.
source: people.com
