During the 2019 Golden Globes Award, actress Sandra Oh took a moment to highlight Hollywood’s issue of whitewashing while praising the industry’s strides towards diversity. In her monologue alongside Andy Sandberg, the actress also called out films like Emma Stone’s Aloha and Ghost in the Shell.
Both films have been highly criticized for casting Emma Stone and Scarlett Johansson in roles meant for Asian characters. In response to the pointed mark, Stone spontaneously yelled out an apology, for her contribution to the significant issue in the film industry.
Emma Stone Shouts Apology at Golden Globes Amid Hollywood Whitewashing Criticism
Talking about diversity in Hollywood and its on-screen representation at the 2019 Golden Globes Awards, the co-host Sandra Oh highlighted the significance of Crazy Rich Asians, which was nominated for Best Picture – Musical or Comedy.
“[Crazy Rich Asians] is the first studio film with an Asian American lead since Ghost in the Shell and Aloha,” she said, taking a jab at both films, which controversially cast Scarlett Johannson and Emma Stone as the lead roles originally meant for Asian characters.
Upon the mention of her 2015 film Aloha, Emma Stone, who was in attendance as a nominee for Best Supporting Actress, could be heard apologizing from the audience, saying, “I’m sorry!”
Based on a Japanese manga of the same name, Ghost in the Shell was criticized for casting Johansson as the lead character, Major Mira Killian/Motoko Kusanagi.
Similarly, Stone’s 2015 film Aloha also came under fire for her portrayal of a character who was supposed to be of one-quarter Chinese and one-quarter Hawaiian descent.
Both films have been heavily criticized for whitewashing, with many arguing that these roles should have gone to Asian actors. The controversy further underscored the ongoing issue of racial diversity in Hollywood, where representation has historically been lacking.
How 2018 Became a Landmark Year in Hollywood!
2018 became a landmark year in Hollywood, with significant representation and diversity in the top films of the year, including movies like Black Panther, Crazy Rich Asians, If Beale Street Could Talk, Roma, and BlacKkKlansman.
Films like Jon M. Chu’s Crazy Rich Asians became pivotal in representing a significant movement toward greater diversity in Hollywood, while Black Panther broke box office records and became a cultural phenomenon.
The year also saw milestones like Ava DuVernay’s A Wrinkle in Time, marking a milestone for female directors of color, and Love, Simon, the first major film to center on a gay teenage romance, while Ocean’s 8 proved the commercial viability of female-led ensembles.
The movies not only reflected the growing trend towards increasing diversity and inclusion in the film industry but also singled a shift towards more authentic and varied storytelling.
The industry has since landed 2020 as its “most successful year on the diversity front” among its other accomplishments in the diversity criteria including Michelle Yoah becoming the first Asian person to win an Oscar for lead actress.
However, there remains a considerable journey ahead to address gender and racial disparities in Hollywood. Despite notable successes, systemic inequalities and a lack of substantial change continue to plague the industry.
Crazy Rich Asians is available to watch on Netflix.
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