Emily in Paris received plenty of backlash, yet was nominated for two Golden Globes. Now the creators are being accused of bribery. Here is what we know.
The Los Angeles Times has revealed that Emily in Paris creators organised a luxury press tour for Hollywood Foreign Press Association members, suggesting bribery in the industry. And following two Golden Globe nominations, Emily in Paris has received plenty of criticism. The comedy-drama was mocked by Golden Globe hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.
Even before the nominations, Emily in Paris was called a cliche for its unrealistic scenes. The show’s protagonist often had a closed-minded approach to the French lifestyle. However, the creators of the series stated the show was intended as a “love letter to Paris through the eyes of this American girl who has never been there.”
Despite many cringe-worthy scenes, Emily in Paris was cute and its setting in France was an undeniable upside. Two months after its release in September 2020, the second season was confirmed to be in the works.
Bribery Controversy
Prior to the show’s release, 30 members from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association were flown to Paris for a set tour. Which included a 5-star Parisian hotel, where the room starting value was $1,400 per night. Perks also included a news conference and lunch at the private museum, Musee Des Arts Forains.
One member of the luxury press tour told the LA Times that they were “treated like kings and queens.”
Whereas an unnamed HFPA member who wasn’t invited said,
“There was a real backlash and rightly so – that show doesn’t belong on any ‘Best of 2020’ list.”
The HFPA rules states members cannot accept gifts valued over $125. But it seems they have found a way around it.
In the end however, Emily in Paris lost Best TV Series — Musical or Comedy to Schitt’s Creek, and lead actress Lily Collins lost Best Actress in a TV series — Musical or Comedy to Schitt’s Creek’s Catherine O’Hara.
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