Lights, camera, action! The 81st Golden Globes took center stage with a mix of silliness, seriousness, and plenty of star power. While Jennifer Lawrence's prediction of lukewarm chardonnay didn't come true, the event had its fair share of surprises and memorable moments. Let's jump right into the highlights!
In the battle of 'Barbie' vs. 'Oppenheimer,' round one went to the sweeping biopic 'Oppenheimer.' Christopher Nolan's masterpiece dominated the awards, taking home the prizes for Best Drama, Best Director, and securing Best Actor (Cillian Murphy) and Best Supporting Actor (Robert Downey Jr.). However, Greta Gerwig's candy-colored 'Barbie' wasn't far behind, winning the new cinematic and box office achievement award, as well as Best Song for Billie Eilish's enchanting track, 'What Was I Made For.'
Unfortunately, it wasn't the night Taylor Swift or her devoted Swifties were hoping for. Despite her incredible success in 2023, the pop superstar missed out on her fifth Golden Globe nomination. Nevertheless, she stunned on the red carpet in a shimmering Gucci gown and created a viral moment with her seemingly icy glare in response to a joke by host Jo Koy. The jokes throughout the night were a hit-or-miss, so it's no wonder that Koy even had to explain that he only had ten days to prepare.
But let's not forget the true essence of the Golden Globes – a night of celebration and entertainment. Showbiz heavyweights Will Ferrell and Kristen Wiig lightened the mood by playfully pretending that it was a serious affair, knowing well that few take this ceremony seriously. As presenter Mark Hamill hilariously pointed out, the Golden Globes is the only awards show with an open bar. Cheers to that!
The evening took a poignant turn when Lily Gladstone made history as the first Indigenous winner of Best Actress in a Drama for her role in 'Killers of the Flower Moon.' Accepting the award, she delivered part of her speech in the Blackfeet language, emphasizing the importance of representation and telling our own stories. It was a powerful moment that reminded everyone of the strides yet to be made.
Of course, the night had its fair share of bumps along the way. The monologue by Jo Koy had its hits and misses, with some of the jokes falling flat and drawing negative reactions from stars like Harrison Ford and Selena Gomez. It was a reminder that even the most seasoned professionals need solid material to shine on stage.
Another hiccup came when Da'Vine Joy Randolph thanked the now-defunct Hollywood Foreign Press Association for her award, not realizing that it no longer existed. As the Golden Globes underwent changes after facing controversies over lack of diversity, the organization was acquired and transformed into a for-profit venture, with a new voting body of 300 entertainment journalists.
Yet, through the bumps and unexpected moments, the show went on. 'Succession,' the HBO drama about the Roy family's empire, claimed its well-deserved victories, snagging Best Drama and earning acting accolades for Kieran Culkin, Matthew Macfadyen, and Sarah Snook. It was a night to celebrate the quirky and complex characters that have captivated audiences.
On the television front, Hulu's kitchen-based comedy series, 'The Bear,' emerged victorious, bringing laughter and joy to audiences. Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri took home the awards for their exceptional performances, with Edebiri charming the crowd by thanking the often-overlooked assistants who keep things running smoothly. As she humorously noted, they are the real heroes unless, of course, they were mean, then they can take a backseat.
While 'Barbie' may not have won the anticipated award for cinematic and box office achievement, Taylor Swift still graced the event with her presence, stunning in a custom Gucci gown. The camera panned to her throughout the night, capturing her elegance, but it was clear she wasn't thrilled when a joke about her drew attention. She remained unfazed, taking a sip of her drink and proving that a look could say a thousand words.
As the evening came to a close, one thing remained evident – the importance of words. Hollywood is slowly emerging from historic strikes, and the screenwriters took center stage to remind us of their significance. In a clever bit, Daniel Kaluuya, Shameik Moore, and Hailee Steinfeld showcased the power of well-crafted lines, highlighting the brilliant work of screenwriters. Justine Triet took home the coveted screenplay award for 'Anatomy of a Fall,' beating out tough competition and displaying the creative force behind the scenes.
But it was Lily Gladstone's historic win that left a lasting impact. Her words carried weight and resonated with every little rez kid, every urban kid, and every Native kid out there, proving that representation and storytelling in our own words matter. With allies by their side and trust between them, the future looks brighter for Indigenous voices in the industry.
The 81st Golden Globes may have had its ups and downs, but it undeniably brought together Hollywood's finest for a night filled with glitz, glamour, and a touch of creative chaos. As the awards season unfolds, we can't wait to see what surprises lie ahead on the red carpet and behind the scenes. Lights, camera, and let the show go on!
