The 80th Golden Globes returned to live broadcast this year with witty comic Jerrod Carmichael hosting the show. His jokes touched on the historic controversies of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), poked fun at scientology, and had the celebrity audience gasping and laughing. Leading winners of the evening were hit television comedy series, “Abbott Elementary,” and Martin McDonagh’s latest film, “The Banshees of Inisherin,” which took home three awards.
In the past, the HFPA had no African American representation, and after this was revealed, the globes were not televised last year. Several stars have boycotted the event, including nominee Brendan Fraser for his heart-wrenching performance in “The Whale,” a Darren Aronofsky film dealing with obesity and family. Returning to broadcast television, the Golden Globes brought a new, diverse outlook on the world of Hollywood. Carmichael, the first African American host of the program in its now 80 years of occurrence, discussed the issues surrounding the HFPA and opened his monologue with this line: “I’ll tell you why I’m here. I’m here because I’m Black.” His latest HBO stand-up “Jerrod Carmichael: Rothaniel” won an Emmy in 2022.
The star of the evening was none other than Jennifer Coolidge. Walking on stage to present an award at the beginning of the night, Coolidge launched into a five minute story, extending well past her limited time of only a few seconds to present. Later in the night, she won for her hilarious role as Tanya on “The White Lotus.” Again, she returned to the stage praising Mike White, the creator, writer and director of the series, and bringing him to tears. She thanked everyone in Hollywood for all the small roles that have kept her going throughout the years.
“Abbott Elementary” follows dedicated teachers at a public school, interacting with each other and their students. Quinta Brunson, creator, writer and star of the show, won the globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a TV Series, Musical or Comedy. Her co-star, Tyler James Williams who plays Gregory Eddie in the series, also won an award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a TV Musical, Comedy, or Drama Series. Ultimately, “Abbott Elementary” took home Best TV Series, Musical or Comedy, a prestigious honor that proves the show is a must-watch for comedy-lovers.
“Everything Everywhere All At Once,” A24’s highest grossing film, is an impassioned science-fiction film that follows a family across a multiverse. Bringing audiences to tears, co-directors and writers Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert crafted a unique picture starring Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan. Both Yeoh and Quan walked away with globes for their performances. Quan, who was the first winner of the evening, famously starred in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” and “The Goonies.” His emotional speech paid tribute to Steven Speilberg saying, “I was raised to never forget where I came from and to always remember who gave me my first opportunity… I am so happy to see Steven Spielberg here tonight, Steven, thank you!” Quan went on to thank Kwan and Scheinert for incorporating him into their masterpiece 30 years after he first stepped foot onto a set.
Martin McDonagh, who has written “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” “Seven Psychopaths” and “In Bruges,” brought to life a comedic story of friendship with “The Banshees of Inisherin.” Having already worked with Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell, McDonagh reunited with the stars, and his film won three awards, including Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor, and Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy.
Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical film “The Fabelmans,” was revered by audiences and critics alike. Spielberg, who has pioneered groundbreaking cinematic experiences as diverse as “Schindler’s List” to “Jaws,” provided an in-depth look into his life growing up and becoming immersed into the world of film. Helmed by a stellar cast of Michelle Williams, Seth Rogen and Paul Dano, “The Fabelmans” won Best Motion Picture, Drama and Best Director, Motion Picture.