The Elephant in the Room at the Golden Globes

After the controversy, the Golden Globe Awards are back (halfway through): The 80th presentation of the Film and Television Awards went scurrying across the stage.

Jerrod Carmichael didn’t hesitate. At the start of his opening monologue at the Golden Globes, the comedian and newly-minted host made it clear to the assembled Hollywood celebrities: “I’m here because I’m black.” He was addressing the elephant in the room: The awards ceremony for the movie took place in 2022. And the television awards, which are standard for the Oscars, after the interruption of famous media stars below. Allegations of bribery, a lack of diversity among eligible voters – the longtime Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), responsible for the award – did not count one black member – and sexual assault on personnel brought the event into notoriety. Awards were handed out privately, and the winners were quietly announced on Twitter.

Still, the Globes have hit a low point after continued controversy, despite woeful signs of improvement from the event’s organizers. In July, the HFPA was purchased by investment firm Eldridge Industries, which also owns the production company for the ratings-afflicted Globes show. HFPA President Helen Hoehn justified this with the intent of reorganizing the Globe with particular regard to the allegations made. The former non-profit association has become a partly for-profit corporation with salaried members. Which of course led to new allegations of suggestion. An increase in voter turnout aimed at diversity hasn’t helped either. After all: On Wednesday night, the 80th Golden Globe Awards were broadcast on TV again.

Despite the anniversary, it’s been a slow return to orbit. Although Carmichael, the newly appointed Master of Ceremonies, was tough on the HFPA, he also threw roses at his flamboyant audience. Compared to the humorous acid bath of presenter Ricky Gervais, who, as a five-time Globes presenter, took the tradition of cultivated “roasting,” i.e. celebrity banter, to an extreme, the newcomer donned baby gloves.

Spielberg and “White Lotus”

It is not surprising – and not so diverse – that the winners differed. Stephen is 76 years old Spielberg He won Golden Globe Awards for Best Drama and Best Director for his biopic The Fabelmans (Austria release March). Martin McDonagh’s bittersweet Irish farce The Banshees of Inisherin was a hit in the Musical/Comedy category. Best TV series were House of the Dragon, Abbott Elementary and The White Lotus, while acting awards went to Austin Butler (Elvis), Kevin Costner (Yellowstone), Zendaya (Euphoria), and Cate Blanchett (“Tar”), who apologized for the filming.