Schitt’s Creek legend Dan Levy calls out Golden Globes’ lack of diversity in stirring speech
Dan Levy appeared virtually at the Golden Globes. (Twitter/Screenshot)
Dan Levy called out the Golden Globes for its lack of diversity as queer fan-favourite Schitt’s Creek picked up two awards.
The critically-acclaimed series has stormed the awards circuit with its sixth and final season, and won two awards – including Best Actress for Catherine O’Hara – at Sunday night’s Golden Globes (28 February).
Dan Levy accepted the award for Best Television Series (Musical or Comedy) virtually after beating competitors such as Emily in Paris and The Flight Attendant.
“I would like to congratulate our amazing cast and crew – most of whom are in Canada right now like myself watching from home – for the critical work you all did over these past six seasons. It has taken us to places we never thought possible. And we are so grateful to all of you for it,” Levy said.
“Thank you to the CBC and Pop TV for making the active choice to keep this little show on the air and give it the time and space it needed to grow like so many TV shows out there.
“This acknowledgement is a lovely vote of confidence in the messages Schitt’s Creek has come to stand for: the idea that inclusion can bring about growth and love to a community.”
He added: “In the spirit of inclusion, I hope that this time next year, this ceremony reflects the true breadth and diversity of the film and television being made today, because there is so much more to be celebrated.”
The Golden Globes faced backlash when nominations were announced for failing to recognise some Black-led television shows, including I May Destroy You.
That backlash intensified in recent days after the Los Angeles Times revealed that the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which selects nominees and winners at the Golden Globes, does not have a single Black member.
Schitt’s Creek star Catherine O’Hara turns acceptance speech into hilarious skit
Catherine O’Hara, who played Schitt’s Creek matriarch Moira Rose, won the award for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical.
In typical O’Hara fashion, she turned her acceptance speech into a comedy routine which saw her husband Bo Welch whipping out a phone and playing her out – a typically awkward moment that happens at most awards shows when an acceptance speech starts to go on too long.
Schitt’s Creek, created by Dan Levy and his father Eugene Levy, who also stars, wrapped up its run in 2020 with an acclaimed final season.
Its mammoth success at the Golden Globes comes just months after it made Emmy history by sweeping the board in the comedy categories.
The Golden Globes were hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. In a bizarre sign of the times, Fey presented from New York while Poehler carried out her hosting duties from Los Angeles.
The pair addressed the controversy surrounding the all-white membership of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association during their opening monologue.
“Everybody is understandably upset at the HFPA and their choices,” Poehler said.
“Look, a lot of flashy garbage got nominated but that happens. That’s like their thing, but a number of Black actors and Black-led projects were overlooked.”
Fey noted that “award shows are stupid”, but said “even with stupid things, inclusivity is important”.
