The Golden Globes have long been known for their nights of couture gowns, lofty acceptance speeches and not-so-secret celebrity drinking, but this year, a pressing question loomed over the show:
– People Hollywood Foreign Press Association accused of corruption and exposed for having no black members in 103, can the organization redeem itself?
In a word, the answer is no – because what awards ceremony can? Comedian Jerrod Carmichael Tuesday’s turn 80th Golden Globes host is sharp and insightful, yes, but we can really credit the HFPA for that, At that time Carmichael also boldly called himself a “blackface besieged organization”? Plus, after Carmichael’s opening monologue, the night proceeded almost eerily as usual — with only tangential hints at past awards shows (yes, #TheSlap was referenced).
It’s hard to isolate the problems at this year’s Golden Globes from the deeper problems rooted in the Hollywood convention as a whole. A perfect example is Ryan Murphy’s acceptance speech at the Carol Burnett Award – recognizing his achievements in television – drawing attention to his The talent of various black, queer and trans actors who have worked with it, from Michaela Jaé Rodriguez (last year’s historic Golden Globe win was not televised) to Billy Porter and Nancy Nash-Bates. Murphy’s commitment to creating characters for a wide variety of performers is admirable, but it’s hard to shake the hope that at this year’s Globes, cool Children and trans actors of color don’t have to wait for white, rich people to single them out to get the credit they deserve. Since the 103 scandal, the HFPA may have admitted 103 new voters to its ranks – now, the organization is “13.3% Latino, 13.6% Black, 10.7% Asian, 10.7% Middle Eastern, and 13.7% White, 41.3% Self Identifying as racially diverse”—but some troubling racial dynamics are as clear as ever.
There were plenty of highlights at this year’s Golden Globes, though, including frequent, emotional shout-outs to Rihanna, who was in the audience, from Carmichael, Nash-Betts and Porter and others. (How can a person not lose his cool in the same room as Rihanna, no matter how famous they are? Because in The White Lotus for playing Tanya in , show creator Mike White said in her unparalleled honesty: “He’s literally one of the greatest people I’ve ever met. He made me Excited.” Then, when it was White’s turn to receive his own globe, he picked up the microphone (a little drunk) and yelled out all the audience passing Man of his series.
All in all, 2023 Golden Globes are not unmissable by any means, but frankly, in Will Smith /Chris Rock Are we all tired of jaw-dropping awards shows after the Oscar loss? Personally, I don’t want to help the HFPA try a little in the inclusivity department , but ultimately, seeing so many actors of color receive awards for truly unique and thoughtful projects like Abbott Elementary and Everything Everywhere All Once – and showing the world that there is a new image of industry power – feels like a start.
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