the golden globes return to television after a tumultuous year
this year’s golden globes offered a night of spectacle and celebration at the Beverly Hilton, marking the awards’ return to television after a season of controversy that included ethical, financial, and representation concerns surrounding the hollywood foreign press association. the ceremony framed a moment of renewal for film and television, weaving glittering red-carpet moments with candid conversations about industry reform.
the room was alive with energy, champagne, and the kind of charm that makes these nights feel like a peak in a long awards season. in the drama category, the winners list shone with compelling performances, while the film titled the fabelmans, associated with steven spielberg, earned recognition for its direction and storytelling. in the comedy or musical category, the banshees of inisherin also earned accolades for its screenplay and Colin Farrell’s performance. among television triumphs, abbott elementary, houses of the dragon and the white lotus emerged as standout series, underscoring the event’s broad appeal.
the night also highlighted a non-English film victory for argentina, 1985, which captured a coveted statuette. guillermo del toro, presenting pinocchio, quipped about the wine and joked that animation is cinema, not merely a children’s genre, while underscoring the art form’s artistic legitimacy.
other notable moments included cate blanchett’s win for tar and michelle yeoh’s triumph for everything everywhere all at once, along with a win for elvis, led by baz luhrmann, featuring a standout performance by austin butler. these moments illustrated the Globes’ ongoing mission to celebrate a wide range of voices in film and television.
in search of an audience
behind the broadcast’s declining viewership lies a broader aim: repositioning the Globes as a must-watch event during awards season. the hopes for a renewed audience align with broader industry efforts to boost theater attendance and sustain interest ahead of the academy awards. // note: this legible context mirrors the industry’s push for higher engagement and transparency.
the Globes’ history has not been without scrutiny. an international group of journalists, once cohesive in a way that helped shape early prestige, faced a public reckoning after the los angeles times revealed concerns about governance and diversity. reforms followed, including adding new members and expanding voting to include a wider group, with attention to gender and racial representation. hollywood’s appetite for publicity and theatre-going remains strong, and the organization has moved forward with these changes as a condition of regaining credibility.
“i am here because i am black”
the premiere opened with a monologue from jerrod carmichael, the first black host in the Globes’ modern era. his remarks blended philosophy with sharp social commentary. he confronted the organization’s past openly, noting that it had not had a Black member until the death of george floyd in 2020, and explaining the context for his presence as host. carmichael described сложившиеся tensions around attempts to educate him about changes the HFPA was endorsing, and he acknowledged the moral dilemmas of accepting the role while recognizing that a new path was being forged for the Globes and the broader industry. he reminded audiences that substantial change would require time and accountability, even as money and prestige continued to influence decisions.
his reflections also touched on the complexities of leadership within the organization, including the discussions around governance and the perceived trade-offs involved in accepting a prominent platform. the message underscored a broader theme: the entertainment world is evolving, and with evolution comes both scrutiny and hope for lasting improvement.
winners
even with lingering questions about the Globes’ past, the ceremony carried a sense of momentum that resonated with viewers worldwide. the event stretched for several hours, delivering memorable moments, heartfelt speeches, and a sense of excitement about the year ahead. winners were poised to represent a spectrum of voices and experiences, reflecting a Hollywood that is more diverse and more inclusive than in previous decades. for many, this night was a reminder of the enduring appeal of storytelling and performance that transcends borders and languages.
the cast of everything everywhere all at once delivered a standout acceptance, with ke huy quan expressing gratitude to steven spielberg for his early trust and opportunity, and for the perseverance that brought him to this point. the moment highlighted the importance of mentorship, opportunity, and perseverance in an industry where breakthroughs are often the result of cumulative support. jennifer coolidge’s sos for her supporting role in the white lotus added a touch of warmth and humor to the proceedings, affirming the value of distinctive, character-driven performances.
the Globes’ ongoing efforts to broaden relevance and participation bore fruit in several categories, including a nod to angela bassett for supporting work in black panther: wakanda forever and an honorary recognition that celebrated the work of eddie murphy and television creator ryan murphy. the speechmakers used their platforms to advocate for youth, LGBTQ+ representation, and the broader creativity that fuels the industry. in a striking moment, the song natta nuattu from the indian blockbuster rrr earned top song honors, joining a list of diverse winners that underscored the show’s global reach.
throughout the evening, the tone suggested a renewed sense of purpose. the Globes aimed to balance celebration with accountability, signaling to audiences near and far that the industry is listening, learning, and evolving while continuing to honor remarkable performances and the art of storytelling. the night concluded with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead in film and television across north america and beyond, as actors, writers, directors, and crews continue to push creative boundaries. attribution: reporting on the 80th golden globes and related industry developments.