Barbaros Tapan, the December Community Star, is a renowned journalist and Hollywood Foreign Press Association member who brings Turkish culture to the global stage.
As a Golden Globes voting member, he champions cultural exchange through events
like Turkish Film and Drama Days. Barbaros continues inspiring and connecting
communities worldwide with his dedication and impactful work.
By Oya Bain
In this issue, we are thrilled to welcome an extraordinary guest—Barbaros Tapan, a highly accomplished Turkish journalist thriving in the world of film and television in America. Based in Los Angeles with his lovely wife, Elif Tapan, Mr Tapan has been a Hollywood Foreign Press Association member and a voting member of the Golden Globe Awards since 2016. As many know, the Golden Globes recognize and celebrate some of the world’s most prominent achievements in television and film. Beyond this, Barbaros Tapan organizes Turkish film and drama days in Hollywood, bringing similar cultural programs to Türkiye. With a rich résumé, numerous accolades, and diverse activities, we could not be more excited to share his story with you.
Let us start from the beginning. Where were you born, and what was your early life like? How did you come to the United States?
First of all, thank you for having me. I was born in 1974 in Kuzguncuk, Istanbul, a beautiful neighborhood along the Bosphorus. I was fortunate to have a childhood shaped by the area’s cultural richness. However, when I was 13 or 14, my family moved to Gebze, where I completed high school. After graduation, I returned to Istanbul and started my professional life in hospitality. I worked part-time in Bodrum during summer breaks, doing jobs like hotel cashiering. Though I studied electronics in high school, hospitality became my true calling.
I worked at prominent establishments like Çırağan Palace and Hyatt Regency. At 21, I applied to Royal Caribbean Cruises and was offered a position. This marked my first step into America. I did not plan on a long career with the cruise line—I wanted to experience American culture and pursue my education. After a year, I moved to Los Angeles, where I attended language school and later college, focusing on TV broadcasting and media studies. That decision shaped my path forward.
Today, you are a distinguished journalist in one of the most challenging industries in America. How did you achieve such success? Could you share your journey?
It certainly did not happen overnight. I arrived in Los Angeles in 1996, and my first couple of years were spent adapting—understanding the city, the culture, and how life worked here. Like many, I worked part-time jobs, including in restaurants and bars. My background in hospitality helped me connect with people from diverse cultures, especially in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami.
After completing my education, I pursued my lifelong passion for journalism and storytelling. My parents worked at Hürriyet newspaper in Türkiye, where they met and married. In a way, journalism was in my DNA. In 2000, I started as a correspondent for Doğan News Agency, covering stories like Hidayet Türkoğlu’s NBA career. That laid the groundwork for my career in Hollywood.
Bodrum holds a special place in your heart. Tell us about your experiences there, especially the recent Golden Globe International Icon Award event featuring Sharon Stone.
Bodrum has always been dear to me. As a teenager, I spent summers working there, and even today, my wife and I make it a point to spend our summers in Bodrum. It brings back memories of my youth.
This year, we introduced the “International Icon Award” under the Golden Globes, marking the first time such an award was presented outside the US. The idea was to showcase Türkiye’s beauty and culture while contributing to tourism and the arts. I had long dreamed of organizing a Golden Globe event in Istanbul or Bodrum.
We had only a month to plan when Sharon Stone agreed to attend. Despite the short timeline, with the support of my incredible wife, Elif, and a dedicated team, we hosted a flawless event at the Titanic Hotel in Bodrum. Sharon was thrilled—she even joked about moving to Bodrum if certain political events unfolded in the US. It was an unforgettable experience, professionally and personally, and a proud moment for Türkiye.
You have interviewed over 300 celebrities. What stands out most from your experiences?
Each interview is unique and valuable, whether with a Hollywood star or an everyday individual. Growing up in Kuzguncuk, I watched movies at the local outdoor cinema, dreaming of meeting the stars on screen. Years later, I found myself sitting across from icons like Sylvester Stallone, Al Pacino, and many others.
One memorable moment was telling Sylvester Stallone how I had watched Rocky as a child on a wooden chair in that open-air cinema. He loved hearing that story. Similarly, interviewing Al Pacino three times was surreal; he remains one of my favorite actors. These experiences are a testament to the magic of following one’s dreams.
What are your thoughts on the growth of Turkish cinema and TV series? How do they compare to American productions?
Turkish dramas have achieved remarkable global success, airing in over 120 countries. Shows like Magnificent Century opened the doors to international recognition. However, we must focus on innovation, higher production quality, and shorter series formats like mini-series to stay competitive.
American productions have decades of systemic development behind them, shaped by historical and cultural milestones. In contrast, the Turkish industry is still evolving. That said, Türkiye’s potential is immense. We have incredible talent, but we must also invest in promoting our films and series internationally, ensuring they reach global audiences through festivals and award seasons.
Finally, what message would you like to share with our readers?
I encourage all Turks, whether in Türkiye, the US, or elsewhere, to take pride in their heritage and represent our country with dignity. We must cherish and promote our culture and values, as that is how we build a strong identity and gain the world’s respect.
Thank you for your time and inspiring insights. You are a community star and a source of pride for us all.
Thank you. I see myself as a small part of a much larger journey for the Turkish community. Together, I hope we achieve even more significant milestones in the future. ■
