This Golden Globes season could be saved. At the ceremony this Tuesday night, the 80th edition marked TV’s return after a turbulent year for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which faced ethical, financial, and diversity criticisms. The gala felt like a turning point, a sensible step back into television after a harsh exhale from the HFPA’s troubles.
Inside the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, a flood of celebration, champagne, and charisma filled the room. Despite some drawbacks, including a slate of about twenty nominees and several wins, the night delivered a real meteor shower of film and television honors. The drama category produced a strong lineup of winners, including the recognition of Steven Spielberg and his project, while the comedy or musical field highlighted awards for Inisherin’s Banshees and its screenplay by Martin McDonagh along with Colin Farrell’s performance.
Among television’s heavy hitters, White Lotus, Abbott College, and Dragon’s House dominated, with a few notable surprises like Kidman’s win in a major category. Argentina, 1985, earned a non-English film accolade, while Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio offered lighthearted humor about cocktails and a serious claim that animation is cinema, not merely a children’s genre [Citation: industry remarks].
Other big moments included Cate Blanchett’s triumph for Tár, Michelle Yeoh for Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Austin Butler for Elvis under Baz Luhrmann’s direction.
in search of an audience
With the broadcast’s HFPA awards still navigating low viewership and public scrutiny, the 2023 Globes may nudge Hollywood to rethink its approach. The season’s must-haves could be reshaped, perhaps even rekindling Oscar momentum for many nominees.
The HFPA’s past turmoil continues to loom. An international roster of journalists once known for exclusive access faced a harsh spotlight from the Los Angeles Times in 2021, triggering a boycott and a TV exile. Reforms followed, including broadening membership and enforcing greater gender and racial representation. The aim was clear: revive interest in cinemas and attract audiences back to theaters, a move that has shown promise in shaping selections.
“I am here because I am Black”
The show did not pretend the past could vanish. Jerrod Carmichael, tasked with hosting and becoming the first Black presenter in 80 editions, opened with a monologue that blended philosophical reflections with candor. His opening lines left little doubt about his message. “I’m here because I’m Black,” he stated, adding that the organization had not counted a Black member until the death of George Floyd in 2020. He also shared a tale about attempts by the HFPA president to “educate” him about changes, a meeting Carmichael declined, convinced he had an unseen place in this movement. He used humor to sketch the moral dilemma of leading the gala, admitting how money influenced decisions and recalling a half-million dollars in the mix.
As the night unfolded, the host’s reflections framed a broader shift in Hollywood and beyond. The industry’s future, Carmichael implied, rests on more authentic representation and accountability than a single event can fix.
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jokes and emotions
Even with the shadow cast by the past, the evening felt lighter for many around the world. Over more than three hours, heartfelt and humorous speeches kept the energy high. After the opener, Carmichael quipped about the Beverly Hilton and the timing of awards, sprinkling lines about cultural touchstones and celebrity moments that captured audiences and sparked conversation about the future of the Globes.
Other moments offered warmth and wit, as winners celebrated with gratitude toward creators, collaborators, and fans who helped shape their journeys. The mood balanced humor with sincere appreciation for the people behind the productions that defined an era of television and film.
There was a sense that the show’s evolving identity could mirror broader changes in the industry, where diversity and inclusion are no longer mere talking points but practical, visible outcomes in recognition and opportunity.
List of Golden Globe 2023 winners: All award categories
There were plenty of lively, memorable speeches that lightened the awards season and highlighted the dedication of artists across the industry. An immigrant actress spoke about breaking barriers and seizing opportunities, sharing a personal tale of perseverance and triumph amid adversity.
Ke Huy Quan’s emotional win for supporting actor in Everything Everywhere All at Once was a highlight. Thanking Steven Spielberg for a first chance in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Quan admitted he feared there was no path forward for years until collaborators Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert offered him a renewed chance. The moment felt like a fresh start for a career he’d thought might end early.
Jennifer Coolidge delivered a joyful, memorable moment with a winning portrait for her supporting role in The White Lotus, expressing gratitude to creator Mike White as tears welled in his eyes.
Golden Globe 2023: Which film claimed the most awards?
The Globes’ move to broaden participation and diversify its voting body seems to have yielded a richer, more varied set of recognitions. Angela Bassett earned a Best Supporting Actress nod for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, while honorary honors went to Eddie Murphy and TV creator Ryan Murphy for their lasting impact. Bassett’s remarks and broader LGBTQ representation in productions like Pose amplified the awards night’s message of visibility and inclusion. The ceremony also celebrated the international reach of music, with the acclaimed song Naatu Naatu from RRR winning Best Original Song, alongside notable contenders from Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift.