Highlights and Low Points of the 2024 Golden Globes

The 2024 Golden Globes faced a pivotal moment in its return to prime time, aiming to regain its status as Hollywood's biggest celebration after recent financial scandals. The awards, now privately owned with an expanded voter pool, sought relevance in a year marked by the writers' and actors' strikes. While not the liveliest show, here are the standout moments.

 

Pioneering Win: Lily Gladstone

In a groundbreaking victory, Lily Gladstone secured the first Golden Globe for best actress as an Indigenous person, portraying an Osage woman in "Killers of the Flower Moon." Speaking emotionally in the Blackfeet language, Gladstone dedicated the award to aspiring talents from Native communities, highlighting the industry's shift from English-spoken roles for Native actors.

 

Least Exciting Showdown: ‘Oppenheimer’ vs. ‘Barbie’

The much-anticipated face-off between "Oppenheimer" and "Barbie" ended with a clear winner. "Oppenheimer" dominated with five wins, including best drama, director, actor, supporting actor, and score. In contrast, "Barbie" only managed to secure wins in the less significant categories, indicating a subdued performance for the highly nominated film.

 

Fashion Triumph: Stars Embracing Themes

A departure from traditional red carpet looks, stars embraced themed dressing, adding a fresh dimension to the fashion spectacle. Margot Robbie outdid herself with a dazzling pink ensemble inspired by 1977 Superstar Barbie. Oprah Winfrey and Taylor Swift also joined the trend, sporting outfits aligned with their connections to notable projects, creating a captivating narrative on the red carpet.

 

Monologue Mishap: Jo Koy's Opening Act

Despite high expectations for Jo Koy's historic role as the second Asian American to host the Golden Globes, his opening monologue fell flat. From awkward jokes about a plastic Barbie to questionable remarks about "Killers of the Flower Moon," Koy faced a lukewarm reception. The rushed preparation time likely contributed to the lackluster performance, turning Koy's jokes into social media fodder.

 

Unimpressive Jest: Koy’s Taylor Swift Quip

Jo Koy's attempt at humor, targeting Taylor Swift's visibility on camera, fell short, drawing an unamused reaction from the pop star. The joke lacked finesse and failed to resonate with the audience, highlighting the challenges of injecting humor into award show hosting.

 

Historical Double Triumph: Steven Yeun and Ali Wong

In a historic moment, both Steven Yeun and Ali Wong secured wins as the first actors of Asian descent honored for a limited series or TV movie. Wong's emotional acceptance speech acknowledged the support of her ex-husband and children in her Hollywood journey, setting the stage for Yeun's unexpected twist-filled speech, adding humor and heart to the ceremony.

 

Refreshingly Honest Speeches: Kieran Culkin and Robert Downey Jr.

Breaking away from the usual script of overflowing gratitude, Kieran Culkin and Robert Downey Jr. delivered refreshingly candid speeches upon winning their awards. Culkin's straightforward acknowledgment of the moment's significance contrasted with Downey Jr.'s humorous revelation about taking a beta blocker, injecting authenticity into their moments in the spotlight.

 

Unexpected Upset: Best Screenplay for ‘Anatomy of a Fall’

In a deviation from predictable wins, "Anatomy of a Fall" surprised by clinching the best screenplay award. The upset injected an element of unpredictability into the night, showcasing the Globes' willingness to recognize unconventional choices in a year marked by safe selections.

 

Dubious Addition: The Cinematic and Box Office Achievement Globe

The introduction of a new box-office trophy, with nominees required to have earned at least $150 million, raised eyebrows. This addition, seemingly reminiscent of the Oscars' ill-fated attempt at a popular film category, left questions about its purpose and impact on recognizing cinematic excellence.

 

Writers' Quirk: A Script ‘Written’ by Studio Executives

As a nod to the recently settled Hollywood writers' strike, presenters humorously introduced the best screenplay nominees with a script seemingly generated by studio executives. The dry, stilted language provided a moment of levity, offering a playful take on the often formulaic nature of award show presentations.

 

Incomplete Reunion: ‘Suits’ Without Meghan Markle

The "Suits" reunion lacked its full star power without Meghan Markle, leaving fans somewhat unsatisfied. While the remaining cast members presented an award, the absence of the Duchess of Sussex raised questions about the completeness of the reunion.

 

Visual Twist: Audience Shots Behind Presenters

Adding a visual twist to the typical awards show format, some presenters were captured with the audience in the background. This simple reversal provided a fresh perspective, allowing viewers to glimpse reactions and dynamics behind the presenters, injecting a touch of excitement into the proceedings.

 

Mixed Bag: The Globes' Attempt at Reinvention

While the Globes made a reasonable attempt at reinvention, the overall energy felt perfunctory. Memorable moments, like Kristen Wiig and Will Ferrell's dance bit, provided laughs, but the ceremony lacked the wild and unpredictable elements often associated with major awards shows. The subdued atmosphere left room for improvement in the Globes' ongoing quest for legitimacy.