BEVERLY HILLS—Well, let the battle for supremacy begin! Awards season is upon us! The 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards were handed out on Sunday, January 7 from the famed Beverly Hilton Hotel. It was unlike any red carpet in history that I can recall because all of the women and men donned black to show solidarity to fight for equality in the industry, as well as to highlight putting a stop to sexual harassment and assault which has been ongoing in the industry for decades. One might think the color black would deliver a somber mood to the ceremony, but that was NOT THE CASE. For once you actually heard what the actors and actresses were saying versus hearing the never-ending, “What are you wearing?”
While “The Shape of Water” came into the ceremony leading all contenders, but the love was spread throughout for a variety of films as “Lady Bird” and “The Shape of the Water walking away with two awards apiece. However, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” was the big winner of the night with a total of 4 awards.
Late-night talk show host Seth Meyers presided over the festivities and got the ceremony off to a rousing start with a monologue addressing the big elephant in the room, with an opening that stung addressing marijuana, “Get Out,” “Big Little Lies” and sexual harassment and poking fun about Hollywood actors being afraid to hear their names being ‘called.’ The fact that Meyers tackled the issue at hand without sugarcoating it helped ease the mood in the room. The jabs at Harvey Weinstein, Woody Allen and Kevin Spacey were cringe-worthy receiving audible gasps from the audience, and probably TV viewers.
Man, Meyers is not taking ANY PRISONERS whatsoever; he’s brutal. I thought he was slightly pushing the boundaries more than previous hosts Ricky Gervais. Kudos to Meyers for giving props to the many people who work behind the scenes of films that never get the acknowledgement they deserve. The first award of the night for Best Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie was a victory for Nicole Kidman “Big Little Lies.” The prize for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture saw Sam Rockwell take the win for “Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri.”
The Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy Series went to Rachel Rosnahan for “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Must say that was a bit of a surprise, but this is the Hollywood Foreign Press we’re talking about people. On the drama side, the Best Actress prize went to a very deserving Elisabeth Moss for “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Sterling K. Brown continues to earn the acknowledgement he deserves for his sensational work on “This is Us” taking the prize for Best Actor in a Drama Series, and he gave an exceptional speech delivering accolades to the creator of the series.
It was a hilarious moment to see Roseanne Barr and John Goodman reunite on stage to deliver the Golden Globe for Best Drama Series to “The Handmaid’s Tale.” The Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series or Limited TV Movie was a victory for Alexander Skarsgard for “Big Little Lies.” His co-star Laura Dern took home the award for Best Supporting Actress. Dern gave a riveting acceptance speech highlighting the current culture in America. Can you believe it we’re getting a second season of the series! “The Shape of Water” took home the award for Best Original Score,” while “This is Me” won the prize for Best Original Song from the musical “The Greatest Showman.”
Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy saw James Franco get some awards love for his performance in “The Disaster Artist.” He brought his brother Dave on stage, as well as the man behind the movie. It was hilarious to see James stop an iconic moment from taking place on the stage that would have been talked about for years to come.
Best Animated Feature went to “Coco.” Finally, we get to another nail-bitter in the movie race, Best Supporting Actress where it was a battle between Laurie Metcalf “Lady Bird” and Allison Janney “I, Tonya.” In the end it was Janney who reigned supreme for her tornadic performance in “I, Tonya.” Wow, the speeches tonight are on point, Janney roused the crowd discussing the importance of addressing class in America.
The crowd was forced to its feet when film icon Kirk Douglas took the stage alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones to present the prize for Best Screenplay to Martin McDonagh for “Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri.” “In the Fade” won the GG for Best Foreign Language Film. That was an upset, Ewan McGregor winning the award for Best Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie for “Fargo” over Robert De Niro for “The Wizard of Lies!”
The prize for Best Actor in a Comedy Series went to Aziz Ansari “Master of None,” while “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” took the prize for Best Comedy Series halting “Will & Grace” once again from claiming a victory at the ceremony. Gotta admit I think “Will & Grace” was perhaps the best revival of a TV series to date and hilarious as hell.
TV titan Oprah Winfrey was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille award where Reese Witherspoon took to the stage to pay accolades to her co-star in the upcoming film “A Wrinkle in Time.” Winfrey kicked off her acceptance speech by paying tribute to actor Sidney Poitier, and highlighting memories from her childhood. She also roused eyebrows as she talked about the importance of telling the truth in the news without repercussions. She paid kudos to all the women who endured assault and harassment in an effort to provide for their families including domestic workers, farm workers, academics and so many other industries. That tale Oprah shared of a rape survivor from the 1940s was astounding and literally brought tears to my eyes, just as the crowd stood to their feet. I feel sorry for anyone else who attempts to outdo that speech, because that was not just powerful it was brilliant. Man that might go down as one of the best speeches I have heard in my life.
Golden Globe contenders for Best Director got off to a touchy start with Natalie Portman pointing out that all the nominees were males. However, it was Guillermo del Toro who came out on top for his work behind the camera for “The Shape of Water.” “Big Little Lies” earned the prize for Best Limited Series or TV Movie. Jessica Chastain and Chris Hemsworth presented the prize for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy to Saoirse Ronan for “Lady Bird.”
“Lady Bird” took home the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, which resulted in a very excited Greta Gerwig taking to the stage to deliver a heartfelt acceptance speech. The big awards of the night Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama was presented by Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis to Gary Oldman “Darkest Hour.” Angelina Jolie and Isabelle Huppert presented the award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama to Frances McDormand “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.” I love this woman, she knows how not to take herself too seriously. The night culminated with Barbara Streisand presenting the award for Best Motion Picture to “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.”
I will admit the 2018 Golden Globes moved at a much faster pace this year than previous ceremonies. However, I was surprised the GG didn’t do something bigger to celebrate its 75th anniversary. Well, the Golden Globes are over, it’s now time to prepare for the Screen Actors Guild Awards which will be handed out on Sunday, January 21, two days before the Oscar nominations!
