Redeeming a comeback: Golden Globes 2023 and beyond
Life on screen mirrors life itself—full of unexpected second chances, suspense, and spectacle. This awards season marks a return for the Golden Globes after a challenging stretch, culminating in a night that blends revival, entertainment, and controversy into one event. The 80th edition arrives after reforms and renewed purpose, following a desert period that began just before the previous milestone centennial year, when a major American newspaper highlighted the many challenges facing the awards group. With a year of boycotts and structural changes behind them, organizers seek redemption and renewed relevance.
The Hollywood industry has seen a dip in theater attendance, yet heavyweights such as Steven Spielberg and Cate Blanchett continue to back the Globes. The event is widely viewed as a powerful advertising and marketing occasion, even as questions linger about the size of the star turnout at Beverly Hilton. Names like Brendan Fraser have sparked controversy in the past, and while some anticipated attendees might be absent, the glamour and social energy of a star-studded gala remains on the horizon. Prominent nominees for acting and directing, including Quentin Tarantino and Ana de Armas, along with hosts like Eddie Murphy and Ryan Murphy, have indicated their participation and engagement with the festivities.
Television plans echo these themes as the industry prepares for a broader audience shift back to broadcast, with NBC continuing a long-term affiliation though not all details are settled. Jerrod Carmichael, trusted as host, brings a fresh voice to a ceremony that aims to balance prestige with broad appeal, drawing on his recent work and prior accolades to anchor the show’s reception.
Candidates and favorites
For recovery, the Globes lean on the familiar nomination framework that has served them through the years. In film, major titles that dominated the box office and critical conversation are represented in both drama and comedy or musical categories. Standouts include Avatar: The Sense of Water, Top Gun: Maverick, Elvis, Babylon, and Spielberg’s The Fabelmans, alongside season favorites like Everything Everywhere All at Once, which became a cultural phenomenon, and The Banshees of Inisherin, the most-nominated feature with eight nods, plus Cannes-winner Triangle of Sadness.
Where can I see my favorite movies of Golden Globes 2023?
On television, the spectrum mirrors the film front with nominees such as Abbott College, Severance, The House of the Dragon, The Crown, and the White Lotus season two. The roster also features familiar figures from the small screen like Bob Odenkirk for Better Call Saul and Zendaya for Euphoria, reflecting the ceremony’s ongoing appeal to both longtime fans and new viewers.
Changes
The HFPA has pursued a broader reform agenda aimed at restoring confidence and audience trust. The member base expanded to include more diverse voices, with a notable increase in leadership representation. Decisions about Globes voting moved toward broader international input, and there has been emphasis on clearer ethical standards and governance.
A major transition occurred when the Globes were acquired by a prominent financier with interests in sports, media, and entertainment. The organization announced a plan to transition away from nonprofit status in name to ensure strong governance, while preserving charitable and philanthropic initiatives in practice. This shift aims to align the Globes with contemporary standards of transparency and accountability that the industry has pressed for in recent years.
The core team has been refreshed with new leadership and revised incentive structures, including revised compensation and benefits for staff. New guidelines limit press access, curb gifts, and set travel boundaries for participants while mandating training on harassment, diversity, and inclusion. Independent channels provide support and allow participants to report concerns, reinforcing a culture of accountability.
Whether these reforms will fully quell lingering concerns remains to be seen. Some observers worry about potential conflicts of interest given new ownership and overlapping industry interests; nevertheless, the ceremony is positioned as a demonstration of genuine change and renewed relevance. Recent coverage of the premiere frames the event as a test of how convincingly the Globes can reinvent themselves while preserving the excitement and cultural impact that viewers expect.