The Golden Globes have risen from the ashes and are prepared to kick off the festivities
The Golden Globes have made a triumphant return, ready to resume the celebration as the 81st Globes kick off at 8 p.m. EST. The glamorous event, hosted at the Beverly Hilton International Ballroom in Los Angeles, promises an evening of elegance and star-studded allure.
Notably absent this year is the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), disbanded due to years of diversity and ethical scandals. Additionally, the Globes have found a new home on CBS after losing their longtime network affiliation. Despite these changes, the question looms: can the revamped Globes recapture the lively and irreverent spirit that characterized previous shows hosted by comedic talents like Ricky Gervais or Tina Fey and Amy Poehler?
These iconic broadcasts played a significant role in elevating the Globes to the status of the third most prominent award show of the year, trailing only the Oscars and the Grammys. The glitzy affair, however, often served as a distraction from the controversies and improprieties associated with an award show that became a frequent punchline.
Behind the scenes, a dramatic shift has taken place, yet for most viewers, the appeal lies in the dazzling dresses, captivating speeches, and the presence of Hollywood's brightest stars. This year boasts a formidable lineup, with Taylor Swift among the expected attendees. Her "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" is nominated for the newly introduced "cinematic and box-office achievement" award. Meanwhile, Swift's boyfriend, Travis Kelce, will be busy playing with the Kansas City Chiefs at the nearby SoFi Stadium earlier in the day.
In addition to Swift, the stars of anticipated winners "Oppenheimer" and "Barbie" are set to grace the ceremony, hosted by Jo Koy. While Koy is not expected to adopt as caustic a tone as some of his predecessors, he faces the challenge of guiding the Globes into a new era. Even the menu, catered by Nobu, reflects this fresh start. The stage is set for a night of glamour, awards, and the unfolding of a new chapter for the Golden Globes.
How to Watch ?
To catch all the excitement of the Golden Globes, there are various viewing options tailored to your preferences. The ceremony will be broadcast live on CBS, following an afternoon of NFL broadcasts. If you prefer streaming, you can watch the show live through the Showtime plan on Paramount+. Additionally, for those who have live TV streaming services featuring CBS in their lineup, such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV, tuning in is just a click away.
The anticipation and glamour extend to the red carpet, and you can experience it online. The official pre-show, hosted by "Entertainment Tonight" and Variety, kicks off at 6:30 Eastern. To immerse yourself in the red carpet extravaganza, head to the Golden Globes site, ETOnline.com, Variety's website, and social platforms, as well as other Penske Media publications. The coverage promises to bring you closer to the glitz and glamour, ensuring you don't miss a moment of the star-studded event.
So, whether you're tuning in on traditional television, streaming via online platforms, or following the red carpet buzz from various online sources, the Golden Globes are accessible to viewers through a variety of channels, making it easier than ever to be part of the celebration.
What is the Story of Show ?
A star-studded lineup of presenters, including renowned personalities such as Oprah Winfrey, Will Ferrell, Ben Affleck, America Ferrara, Michelle Yeoh, Issa Rae, Florence Pugh, Angela Bassett, and Amanda Seyfried, promises an evening of entertainment and celebration at the Golden Globes.
Notably absent from this year's ceremony are two prestigious tribute honors: the Cecil B. DeMille Award and the Carol Burnett Award. However, the void left by these traditional awards is filled by the introduction of two new categories: the blockbuster award and a category dedicated to stand-up comedy specials. This fresh approach adds an exciting twist to the event, showcasing a commitment to evolving with the times.
Another notable change is the adjustment in the number of nominees for most categories. Instead of the usual five, this year's nominations boast six contenders in each category. This alteration not only widens the field of recognition but also adds an element of unpredictability to the competition.
With a mix of seasoned presenters and the infusion of new award categories, the 81st Golden Globes promise to be a dynamic and memorable event. As Hollywood gathers to honor outstanding achievements in film and television, the audience can anticipate surprises, laughter, and moments that celebrate the ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.
The Contenders ?
In the highly anticipated race for Golden Globe glory, Greta Gerwig's blockbuster sensation, "Barbie," takes the lead as the top nominee, boasting an impressive nine nods. With over $1.4 billion in ticket sales, this cinematic juggernaut secures nominations in key categories, including best comedy or musical, best director for Gerwig, best actress for Margot Robbie, best supporting actor for Ryan Gosling, and three original song nominations. The film's undeniable success at the box office sets the stage for a potential sweep at the awards ceremony.
Christopher Nolan's epic masterpiece, "Oppenheimer," is a close contender with eight nominations. Positioned for recognition in categories such as best drama, best director for Nolan, best actor for Cillian Murphy, and supporting nods for Robert Downey Jr. and Emily Blunt, "Oppenheimer" emerges as a formidable competitor. The film's compelling narrative and stellar performances contribute to its strong presence in the Golden Globe nominations.
While "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" are poised to dominate the evening, there are noteworthy contenders vying for the coveted awards. Standout performances include Lily Gladstone in "Killers of the Flower Moon," Emma Stone in "Poor Things," and Da’Vine Joy Randolph in "The Holdovers," with these front-runners potentially securing wins in their respective categories.
Turning to the television landscape, HBO's critically acclaimed series "Succession" leads the pack with an impressive nine nominations. The gripping drama unfolds in the cutthroat world of media moguls, showcasing stellar performances and a compelling storyline that has captivated audiences and critics alike. Following closely behind are "The Bear" and "Only Murders in the Building," each garnering five nominations. As the television categories unfold, these series stand as formidable contenders for Golden Globe recognition.
As Hollywood gears up for the 81st Golden Globes, the stage is set for a night of celebration and recognition of outstanding achievements in film and television. With a diverse array of nominees and a mix of established favorites and rising stars, the awards ceremony promises to be a thrilling showcase of the best in entertainment.
The Golden Globes Return: A Resilient Comeback for the 81st Edition
A mere few years ago, the Golden Globes teetered on the brink of collapse, grappling with a crisis that shook its foundations. The revelation by The Los Angeles Times that the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) had no Black members triggered a resounding boycott from the Hollywood community. The repercussions were swift and severe — the 2022 Globes faced near-cancellation and were unceremoniously removed from television schedules.
In the aftermath of these tumultuous events, the Golden Globes underwent a transformative period marked by reforms. Last year, in a tentative comeback, the Globes returned to NBC under a one-year deal. However, the show's broadcast was relegated to an unusual Tuesday evening slot. Jerrod Carmichael assumed hosting duties, but the telecast experienced a sharp decline, drawing only 6.3 million viewers — a stark departure from the 20 million viewers it once commanded.
The narrative took an intriguing turn when Eldridge Industries and Dick Clark Productions, both under the ownership of Penske Media, acquired the Golden Globes and rebranded them as a for-profit venture. This marked a significant shift, with the HFPA, traditionally consisting of around 90 voters, being dissolved. In its place emerged a new body of approximately 300 entertainment journalists from around the world, entrusted with the responsibility of casting votes for the prestigious awards.
Despite these changes, the Golden Globes find themselves at a crossroads, and uncertainties loom over their long-term future. However, their intrinsic value to Hollywood studios endures, serving as a vital marketing tool for awards contenders. As the Oscars are scheduled for March 10, the Golden Globes, airing ahead of the Emmys this year (which were postponed to January 15 due to actors and writers strikes), have an opportunity to set the tone for the awards season.
Against the backdrop of a film industry still grappling with a 20% dip in pre-pandemic ticket sales and anticipating a potentially challenging 2024 at the box office, Hollywood's dependence on the Golden Globes has never been more pronounced. The industry looks to this iconic awards ceremony not just for recognition but as a catalyst for rejuvenating interest in cinema. The Golden Globes, with their checkered past and uncertain future, stand as a crucial linchpin in the ever-evolving narrative of Hollywood's awards season.
