A Problematic Shortlist: The 2021 Golden Globe Nominations

When Michaela Coel’s ground-breaking depiction of what it is to survive sexual assault
alongside a rejuvenated and authentic representation of black British life, was released back
in June it was heralded by critics and viewers alike and earmarked for awards. However, as
award season rears its head and the Golden Globes became the first to release their
nominations, I May Destroy You was glaringly absent.
This in itself felt like an insult. I May Destroy You was a revelation that felt perfectly timed in
the wake of Black Lives Matter Protests up and down the country. A story of trauma but also
heart and humour. A trailblazing triumph from Coel who wrote, co-directed, executive
produced and starred in the show. Yet it has not been recognized by the powers that be.
When considering the nominations that did make it to the hallowed ground, the absence
became less an insult and more an injustice as Emily in Paris, the widely trashed Netflix
comedy, was recognised for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy.
Emily in Paris is enjoyable escapism to the streets of pre-pandemic Paris. In many ways it
was exactly what was needed when it was released in October as we looked towards a long
winter in Lockdown. However, when it comes to awards, it was almost universally accepted
they would pass Emily in Paris by unacknowledged. To be graced by not one but two
nominations was a shock even to writers on the show. The Emily in Paris writer, Deborah
Copaken, has herself expressed “rage” that Emily in Paris was nominated over I May Destroy
You.
It is not just the I May Destroy You snub that has ignited controversy. The two nominations
of Sia’s first feature length project Music, has stirred distress. Music follows a non-verbal girl
on the autistic spectrum who is taken in by her troubled sister. However, the choice to cast
neurotypical actress Maddie Ziegler in the role has been labelled as ableism. More
concerning criticism has come after physical restraint was used in the film to subdue
Ziegler’s character. The use of physical restraint on autistic people can be incredibly
dangerous and many have called out the scenes for seemingly encouraging it. Sia has since
apologised and stated a warning will be provided prior to screenings. For a film that has the
potential to be seriously damaging not only to the representation and stigma surrounding
autistic people but also their physical safety, to be rewarded with two nominations seems
worryingly counterintuitive. The nominations have since been met by an open letter from
three disability advocacy groups expressing grave concerns and calling for the film to be
pulled from release.
The nomination of James Cordon for his role in The Prom, a star-studded movie-musical
centring on girl who has been banned from taking her girlfriend to the high school prom, has
also ignited questions. Cordon’s performance received backlash for its offensive and
stereotypical representation of a gay theatre star, noticeably played by a straight actor.
Once again, an inauthentic and problematic performance has been recognised with a
nomination.
There has been progress to come out of this year’s Golden Globe nominations with more
representation overall as well as the fact three out of five nominations for Best Director are

women. When considering that in the Golden Globes 78-year history only five women have
previously been nominated for Best Director, this represents a significant, is somewhat late,
step in the right direction.
Despite this, the problematic nominations ranging from offensive to dangerous leads to
questions over who is making these decisions. Some light is perhaps shed on the surprising
shortlist when considering that The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, who decide
nominations, have not made significant efforts to address inclusivity within their
organization in recent years, despite other awards ceremonies such as the Academy Awards
doing just that. If what is selected to represent the best in television and film, no longer
reflects critical or public acclaim, where is their relevance? After the dramatic events of
2020, society is beginning to redefine what is important in terms of justice, equality and
representation. Audiences are welcoming important programmes and films that inspire
meaningful conversations. If these nominations are anything to go on, The Golden Globes
feels lost in pre-pandemic priorities.