BEVERLY HILLS—This feels like a different Awards Season because their isn’t that clear cut movie or two that is the front-runner in my opinion. However, the 82nd Golden Globes ceremony was about to give fans in the entertainment industry a hint at what is to come in terms of battles. The ceremony which isn’t a sign of what the Screen Actors Guild or Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Scientists will do, its still the party in Hollywood and comedian Nikki Glaser was the host.
I have heard of Glasser, but I’m not super familiar with her comedy so I was eager to see what approach she would take with the ceremony because let’s face it, I think Ricky Gervais was the best host the GG had in years, followed by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, the past few hosts, whew they have been terrible.
I’m still adjusting to the ceremony being televised on CBS compared to NBC which seems it has been the staple for the awards ceremony for decades. Glaser kicked off the show with a few jabs tackling Ozempic, I did love that quip about the election and celebrities encouraging those who they should vote for. Damn, that jab against Ben Affleck was wicked, as well as that jab and Robert Kennedy.
Glaser hit it on the money movie stars are doing more TV and that jab at the streaming service Peacock was hilarious. She was not afraid to go there, and I loved that confidence that she had with her jokes at Martin Short, Tilda Swinton, Zendaya, Timothee Chalamet, Nicole Kidman, “Wicked” and so many more; this woman didn’t take any prisoners, but she did it in a way with being shady, but not brutal.
Glaser did a good job with her opening before the first award of the night for Female Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture to Zoe Saldana for “Emilia Perez,” who was in virtual tears when her name was called. Her speech went a bit long, but it was so authentic and warm that I didn’t care. Big win for Saldana. The prize for Female Actor in a Musical or Comedy to Jean Smart for “Hacks.” No surprise there.
What the hell was that bit with Arianna DeBose and Key He Quan, after that flop, the prize for Male Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture was handed out to Kieran Culkin for “A Real Pain.” Not sure what the technical quips the show is going for with the side comments and the digital fingerprints of showing where people are at the actual event, were so unnecessary. That moment between Margaret Qualley and Demi Moore from “The Substance” was funny. Male Actor in a Drama Series was a victory for Hiroyuki Sanada for “Shogun.”
The production at this year’s ceremony is totally off. Something about it is just taking me out of the swing of the ceremony. That moment with presenters Anthony Ramos and Kathy Bates was heart-warming as they handed out the Globe for Female Actor in a TV Series to Jessica Gunning for “Baby Reindeer.” The Ramos and Bates duo also presented the award for Supporting Actor in a TV series to Tadanobu Asano for “Shogun.”
Yeah, these awards are being handed out fairly quickly, with the Golden Globe for Lead Actor in a TV Musical or Comedy series going to Jeremy Allen White for “The Bear.” When it comes to writing, Best Screenplay went to Peter Straughan for “Conclave.” I will admit that movie was fantastic and gripping as hell, and I loved every moment of it. Seriously, why are we presenting a Golden Globe for a standup comedic performance? Makes no sense, but congrats to Ali Wong. The Golden Globe for Best Non-English film went to “Emilia Perez” (France).
Colin Farrell walked away with the Golden Globe for Lead Actor in a TV Miniseries or Movie for his performance in “The Penguin.” Jodie Foster picked up her fifth Golden Globe for Female Actor in a Limited Series, anthology or TV Movie for “True Detective: Night Country.” One of the big awards of the night, Female Actor in a Musical or Comedy went to Demi Moore for “The Substance.” That I was not expecting, but Demi is starting to garner a lot of buzz for her performance in this extreme body horror flick. So with Moore’s win, I think we could have a very interesting Oscar race, and she is a major contender.
Hard to believe Demi has been in the industry over 45 years and has never won a major accolade until right now. Her speech was inspiring, courageous and I loved it! Bravo standing ovation, best speech of the night. On the flip side, the GG for Male Actor in a Musical or Comedy went to Sebastian Stan for “A Different Man. There has been talk about Stan’s performance in this movie, so this is another flick I totally have to check out.
When it came to Animated Movie the Golden Globe was awarded to “Flow.” Bit of a surprise there, as I was expecting “Inside Out 2” to claim the victory. We’re about 2 hours into the Golden Globes ceremony and while not boring, it has not been as riveting either. When it comes to directing, the Golden Globe was given to Brady Corbet “The Brutalist.”
That bit with Elton John and Brandi Carlile was funny as he addressed the talk about his vision. With that subtle laugh, “Challengers” walked away with the GG for Best Original Score. Whoever wrote some of these jokes for the presenters at this ceremony, gosh, they are just terrible. Best Original Song went to “El Mal” from “Emilia Perez.”
In a new category that no one requested, the Golden Globe for Box-Office Cinematic Achievement went to “Wicked.” Best Limited Series, Anthology Series or TV Movie was a Golden Globe victory for ‘Baby Reindeer.” I needed some laughs and Melissa McCarthy and Awkwafina were great scene partners as they presented the award for Best Comedy Series to “Hacks.” To be honest it should have gone to, “Nobody Wants This.” Best Female Actor in a Drama was a victory for Anna Sawai “Shogun.” Collecting the Golden Globe for TV Series Drama was “Shogun.”
I do feel like the ceremony is about to go beyond 3 hours. We still have a few awards to hand out, not to mention Viola Davis hasn’t been presented with the Cecille B. DeMille award. Perhaps, the DeMille prize is NOT being presented at the ceremony. Guess what, we discovered that after that commercial break. Bummer, as that has been a trend in previous ceremonies where such an accolade was highlighted.
Davis took to the stage to present the Golden Globe for Best Female Actor in a Motion Picture Drama to Fernanda Torres “I’m Still Here.” I think Torres might b an upset win here in this category because many were expecting Angelina Jolie to walk away with the prize for “Maria.” Will admit a lot more will come to light on Wednesday when the Screen Actors Guild contenders are announced. That’s indicative as the nominees will be chosen by the actors who make up a very large branch of AMPAS who will determine the Oscar nominees in the acting races.
The acting race for Male Actor is a competitive one, where I think it will come down to a duel between Adrien Brody “The Brutalist” and Ralph Fiennes “Conclave.” I’m leaning towards Fiennes, but Brody was the one who came out on top with his GG win. “The Brutalist’ is a very long movie clocking in over 3 hours and 35 minutes. So that will be a tough watch to squeeze in. A ceremony that started strong slogged to the end with the final 2 prizes for Best Musical or Comedy to “Emilia Perez,” while Motion Picture Drama went to “The Brutalist.”
So with all the dust settling, “The Brutalist,” “Emilia Perez” and “Wicked” are looking like the major contenders as awards season continues to push forward if we’re basing things off the Golden Globes.” However, the GG don’t have much sway when it comes to the SAG Awards and the Oscars, so look out for who is nominated come Wednesday when the Screen Actors Guild Award nominees can change everything as we know.
