Article by David Austin, Lifestyles Magazine
Miriam Spritzer never imagined that a childhood love of entertainment would someday lead her into rooms with global changemakers—let alone onto the red carpet with Oprah Winfrey. But in a career spanning three continents and two decades, Spritzer has built a reputation not only as an incisive entertainment journalist but also as a fierce advocate for press freedom, women’s voices, and equitable representation in media.
Today, she splits her time between New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Brazil, and occasionally Europe, reporting for major outlets, moderating panels, and helping shape the direction of cultural philanthropy as a board member of the Golden Globe Foundation, a nonprofit formed in 2023 to carry on the work of its predecessor, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA).
Spritzer’s journey into journalism was unexpected. Fifteen years ago, fresh in New York, she had little inkling that reporting would become her path. Coming from a background in marketing and performing arts—with years of ballet, opera, musical theater, and acting under her belt—she initially viewed journalism as a way to apply her performance skills on television for a Brazilian TV channel.
“It was an opportunity that came up,” she recalls. “I thought it would be fun… and if I was bad at it they wouldn’t keep calling me.”
Instead, it grew into a lifelong career.
Spritzer’s education in business and marketing gave her a unique perspective. Unlike in many countries, Brazil’s education system directs students immediately into specialized fields, so she studied business. This background sharpened her awareness of the audience and the commercial dynamics behind media, helping her blend storytelling with strategic thinking.
Today, she serves on the board of the Golden Globe Foundation, an independent philanthropic organization connected to the entertainment industry. Unlike the for-profit, separately managed Golden Globe Awards—a star-studded red-carpet ceremony honoring outstanding achievements in film and television—the Foundation operates as a nonprofit focused on giving back to the industry.
Through grants, scholarships, and mentorship programs, it supports underrepresented voices in film, television, and journalism. Over the past three decades, licensing fees from the Golden Globe Awards have enabled the Foundation—and previously the HFPA—to donate more than $60 million to colleges and nonprofit organizations. The Foundation also supports film preservation projects to protect the cultural heritage of cinema and advocates for press freedom.
“The Foundation is a group of entertainment journalists, some that have worked in film and TV for almost 80 years,” explains Spritzer.
Spritzer says serving on the board is both an honor and a responsibility—a chance to support underrepresented voices and help preserve the heritage of film and journalism worldwide. Being elected by her peers—a diverse group of international journalists—is a reflection of the trust she’s earned.
She explains that the Foundation’s mission is focused on amplifying voices from communities that often face barriers to access within entertainment and media.
“It means a lot, personally,” Spritzer says. “The board is very diverse—with people from different countries, ages, and backgrounds—so being elected is a real vote of confidence from them.”
Decision-making within the Foundation is deliberate and closely aligned with its mission. A dedicated grants committee carefully reviews applications to ensure funding goes where it can make the greatest impact. They often wrestle with how to balance support between large, established organizations and smaller groups where even modest funding can drive significant change.
“We have conversations every year about where we can do more impact,” Spritzer says.
The Foundation’s work goes beyond simply distributing funds; it also involves mentoring recipients, offering capacity-building training, and fostering sustainable growth.
Among the many causes close to her heart, Spritzer has a particular passion for women’s empowerment. She devotes personal time mentoring young women, encouraging them to find their voices and build confidence.
“I try to pay forward,” she says, reflecting on the mentors who guided her early in her career and whom she still turns to today.
Her commitment extends beyond gender advocacy—she is also actively involved in providing people in underrepresented communities with a voice and access to opportunities in entertainment and journalism.
Though Spritzer is based primarily in New York, her work with the Foundation and her journalism reach across continents. She regularly travels to Los Angeles for Foundation events and stays closely connected with grantees and colleagues through calls, emails, and social media—habits that became ingrained during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her international career demands a constant balancing act between languages and cultures. Switching between English and Portuguese, she sometimes finds herself searching for the perfect word, embodying the experience of a bilingual correspondent bridging diverse worlds. Through her stories, she brings South American perspectives to American audiences and vice versa, effectively serving as a cultural translator.
Working largely on her own, Spritzer depends on a network of fellow correspondents for support—whether it’s sharing press credentials or collaborating on set—underscoring the collaborative spirit that fuels her work.
This mission resonates deeply with Spritzer, whose own background in the performing arts has given her firsthand insight into the challenges of breaking into the industry.
“As someone from the performing arts world, I know how hard it can be to get your foot in the door, to find opportunity, or even to secure funding for certain projects,” she remarks, adding that the Foundation also helps film restoration, underscoring the importance of preserving cinema history for future generations.
Throughout her career, Spritzer has had remarkable moments that highlight both the glamour and the humanity of her work. One unforgettable experience was interviewing Oprah Winfrey early on, a defining milestone.
“I thought, if I make a very good question, she’s going to stop,” she recalls.
The moment Oprah paused for her, adjusted her position, and even gave a reassuring pat on the shoulder, left a lasting impression.
“This is why this woman is who she is. She was incredibly kind to everyone,” says Spritzer fondly.
Another memorable encounter was with Brazilian soccer legend Pelé at the Tribeca Film Festival. Known for rarely giving interviews, Pelé agreed to speak with Spritzer when she explained she was reporting for Brazil.
“That was such an incredible moment,” she says, reflecting on her journey from a fan attending festivals to a trusted correspondent interviewing icons.
Looking ahead, Spritzer is excited about several ongoing projects. At the Foundation, she’s involved in a collaboration with Etre Girls, focused on women’s empowerment and mentorship. Meanwhile, in her journalism career, she’s working on an article about immersive theater, set for publication soon. The fall cycle of award season and major film festivals—from New York to Toronto—has kept her calendar full and dynamic.
A notable upcoming event Spritzer is helping organize is a Foundation-hosted panel on freedom of the press under a new administration—a timely topic given global challenges to journalistic independence.
“We are very excited for that,” she says, highlighting the Foundation’s commitment to protecting press freedom alongside its cultural mission.
For Spritzer, the Golden Globe Foundation is a powerful force for change within entertainment—separate from the glitz of the awards ceremony but deeply connected to the industry’s future. Through grants, mentorship, and advocacy, it nurtures diverse voices and preserves the heritage of film and journalism alike.
From the bright lights of red carpets to quiet moments mentoring the next generation, Miriam Spritzer continues to shape the narrative—both on screen and behind the scenes.
Cover image: Golden Globe Foundation Board Member Miriam Spritzer at Nasdaq Headquarters in New York City, on Day of the Girl. Être Girls and Golden Globe Foundation have partnered to create mentorship opportunities for young women.
