Hollywood award shows have almost always been met with much controversy due to many reasons. There’s the lack of diversity in both the hosts and the nominations; there’s the patriarchal system coming into the limelight with the lack of space given to female directors, producers and all, and there’s also the question of who was left out and who actually deserved to be nominated. Given that these award shows spend a large amount of money, and they are the special nights where entertainers get the much-deserved praises and accolades, it plays a central role in the world of cinema each year. Thus, it matters the extent to which these award shows break the rigid and harmful norms which prevent different talents from different backgrounds from entering.
Golden Globesmight not be the Oscars, but it is, nonetheless, an important award show that is seen as the “first major award show on theway to the Oscars”. Sometimes it predicts the Oscars. While there have beendebates about the importanceof the Golden Globes, the2023 award showproved that people still care about it. In fact, this particular Golden Globes was praised for numerous reasons, and it might be interesting to see why.
Some Hidden Gems Finally Received Their Moments
After many years of being overlooked in Hollywood, somesuper-talented stars finally got the limelightthey deserve. Even thoughMichelle Yeohhas been in the industry for 40 years, she was not given the tribute she deserves. Her Asian roots have been one key reason as to why her journey in Hollywood has not been easy. However, following the release ofEverything Everywhere All At Once, in which Yeoh plays the role of the protagonist, Evelyn Quan Wang, people were finally able to recognize Yeoh’s talent. This role brought herher first Golden Globe winunder the category of Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. The award means so much to her and the Asian community that Yeoh did not let the music cueing her to end her speech take away this moment. This role also made her the first person who “identifies” as Asian to benominated for an Oscar under the Best Actresscategory.
In the same film, Ke Huy Quan plays the role of Evelyn’s husband, Waymond Wang, which allowed him to win a Golden Globe and be nominated for an Oscar under Best Supporting Actor category. Ke Huy Quan was a child star in the 1980s, having starred inIndiana Jones and the Temple of Doomalongside Harrison Ford. However, given the lack of Asian characters in Hollywood, Ke Huy Quan was unable to climb up the ladder. Finally, he was able to receive the space he deserved. During his emotional and important speech at the Golden Globes, Ke Huy Quan emphasized on how grateful he is for his role inEverything Everywhere All At Once. Both Yeoh’s and Quan’s wins are powerful moments as these characters were often cast aside due to their Asian roots. This goes on to illustrate the lack of diversity in Hollywood.
Angela Bassett’s win for her role inBlack Panther: Wakanda Foreverwas a proud moment for the Black community and Marvel fans. She was the first actor to win a “major individual acting award for a movie based on a Marvel Comic”. Bassett also used the moment to pay tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman.Jennifer Coolidge’s win is another powerful moment as she is yet another actress who was constantly overshadowed. Following her performance inWhite Lotus, which won her the title of Best Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Television Film, the world was able to see this vibrant talent who can easily make a whole room burst into laughter.
Related:Everything Everywhere All at Once Receives 11 Oscar Nominations, Including 4 Acting Nods
Jerrod Carmichael; A Superb & Important Host
“I’m here ‘cause I’m Black"Carmichael stated in his monologueat the 2023 Golden Globes Awards, and he does have a point. Carmichael is the first black host of the Golden Globes awards, and he was not afraid to roast the long history of the lack of Black people on the award show. As Carmichael points out, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association did not have “a single Black member till George Floyd died” which says a lot about the lack of diversity in the award shows' foundation itself.
Carmichael’s inclusion in the Golden Globes 2023 was one key reason why the show was so entertaining. Given that he is a talented, and perhaps one of the best, stand-up comedians, it is obvious that he was going to dig deep into the lack of diversity within the Golden Globes community while striking the much necessary humor tones. With some claiming Carmichael’s monologue to beone of the best, he surely won everyone’s hearts with the perfect balance of roasting and comedy.
South Asian representation on award shows in Hollywood is super rare. So, when the Indian filmRRRwas nominated for Best Foreign Language film and Best Original Song for"Naatu Naatu”, it became an important moment for all South Asians.RRR’s winning of the latter award shows how Indian films have so much to contribute to the world of cinema. It is also a reminder of why it is important to consider these foreign films when looking at possible nominations for big awards. “Naatu Naatu” is also completing for the title of Best Original Song at the 2023 Oscars. These wins open the gates and inspire other filmmakers and composers in South Asia.
Related:RRR: Why it Was the Most Fun Action Movie of 2022
Guillermo del Toro; First Latino for Best Animated Feature
The Golden Globes is not just about actors and actresses; it is also about filmmakers. That is whyGuillermo del Toro’s win is yet another significant moment of the 2023 Golden Globes awards.Pinocchiohas been del Toro’s “longtime passion project” as he has wanted to bring ina remake of Carlo Collodi’s 1883 novel. This might bedel Toro’s third Golden Globes win, as he had previously won the titles of Best Director and Best Screenplay for his filmTheShape of Water, butthis win was the first time a Latino won the Best animated feature title. This is yet another historical moment.
Ryan Murphy Shed Light on MJ Rodriguez’s win
In 2022, whenMJ Rodriguezwon the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama TV Series for her role of Blanca inPose, she made history. She was the first transgender actor to win a Golden Globe. However, the award show was not televised in 2022. So, when Ryan Murphy received the fourth Carol Burnett Award, a lifetime achievement award, at the 2023 Golden Globe Awards, he ensured that he took the chance to give Rodriguez the spotlight she deserved. Witha standing ovation, Rodriguez’swin was finally televised.
