Bisina SomtoThe 2024 Golden Globe Awards held on Sunday, marked the commencement of the 2024 awards season. The spotlight was on the clash between two cinematic giants of the past year: “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.”
With Margot Robbie leading the charge, “Barbie” emerged as the most-nominated film of the night with a remarkable nine nominations, securing its place as the second most-nominated film in Golden Globe history.
Meanwhile, “Oppenheimer” was not far behind with eight nods. Both films played a pivotal role in revitalizing the global box office after the pandemic-induced downturn, and their efforts were duly acknowledged and rewarded on this prestigious night.
As the curtain fell on the evening, “Oppenheimer” held the upper hand. It not only clinched the Best Motion Picture – Drama award, leaving “Barbie” trailing in the Comedy or Musical category to “Poor Things,” but also swept other major categories.
READ ALSO:2024 Golden Globes: Full Winners List
Christopher Nolan claimed the Best Director trophy, Cillian Murphy secured Best Actor, Robert Downey, Jr. won Best Supporting Actor, and Ludwig Göransson received the accolade for Best Score. This triumph positions “Oppenheimer” as a frontrunner as the awards season gears up for the grand finale at the Oscars in March.
Taking centre stage as the evening’s host was comedian Jo Koy, who, with just two weeks of preparation, acknowledged the challenge in his opening monologue.
Koy’s predecessor, Jerrod Carmichael, had stirred conversations last year by addressing the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s lack of diversity. Koy’s speech, however, met with mixed reviews on social media, sparking discussions among critics.
Now, let’s delve into the highlights of the night, ranging from surprise wins to charming acceptance speeches and a touch of controversy.
These are 2024 Golden Globe’s Major Highlights
Surprise (but well-deserved) win: Da’Vine Joy Randolph
The award season kicked off with a bang as Da’Vine Joy Randolph, celebrated for her performance in “The Holdovers,” snagged the Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture. Her victory, against stiff competition from Emily Blunt, Danielle Brooks, Julianne Moore, Jodie Foster, and Rosamund Pike, set the tone for an evening of unexpected delights. In her heartfelt speech, Randolph expressed gratitude to her character, Mary, and resonated with the audience by encouraging them to find their own inner Mary.
A win we love to see: A “Beef” sweep
Netflix’s limited series “Beef” made an indelible mark on the awards, securing a devoted audience and critical acclaim. The lead performances by Ali Wong and Steven Yeun were duly recognized, with both actors winning Best Performance by an Actor and Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made For Television. This “Beef” sweep underscored the series’ impact and celebrated the outstanding contributions of its cast.
Most charming acceptance speech: Ayo Edebiri
Ayo Edebiri’s win for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Musical, or Comedy, was not just a personal triumph but a delightful moment for viewers. In her endearing and slightly frazzled speech, Edebiri managed to captivate the audience. Her humorous acknowledgment of managers’ and agents’ assistants, coupled with a casual farewell, left a lasting impression.
Most warranted reaction to a joke: Taylor Swift
Music sensation Taylor Swift graced the Golden Globes as “The Eras Tour” movie garnered a nomination in the show’s new box office recognition category. Jo Koy’s jest about the NFL cutting to Swift during her boyfriend Travis Kelce’s games drew a less-than-amused reaction from Swift, who took a sip of her drink. The moment added a touch of humour and spontaneity to the proceedings.
Surprise win: “Anatomy of a Fall” wins for Best Screenplay
In a surprising turn of events, Justine Triet and Arthur Harari claimed the Golden Globe for Best Screenplay for a Motion Picture with “Anatomy of a Fall.” The victory challenged the expectations that “Barbie” or “Oppenheimer” would sweep all categories. Triet’s acceptance of the award added an element of unpredictability to the night.
READ ALSO:Jo Koy To Host 2024 Golden Globes Awards
Worst: Presenter banter is hard to watch
Despite the star-studded lineup of presenters, banter between them proved challenging, with notable awkward moments. Ray Romano and Kerri Russell’s presentation for Best Supporting Male Actor in Television fell flat, highlighting the difficulty even seasoned actors faced in making onstage banter appear natural. The attempt at relatability and humour by some of Hollywood’s biggest names did not always resonate with the audience.
Best presenters: Andra Day and Jon Batiste
Amidst the awkward presenter moments, Andra Day and Jon Batiste emerged as a breath of fresh air. Their presentation for Best Original Score and Best Original Song for a Motion Picture stood out for its natural banter and chemistry. Online chatter suggested that the duo’s engaging performance could make them ideal hosts for the Golden Globes in the future.
Worst new categories: Stand-up comedians and box office achievements
The addition of two new categories—Best Performance in a Stand-Up Comedy on Television and Cinematic and Box Office Achievement—met with mixed reactions. Comedian Rickey Gervais’ win in the stand-up category stirred controversy, with critics questioning the selection criteria. Meanwhile, the recognition of “Barbie” for cinematic and box office achievement raised eyebrows, as the category seemed to reward a movie solely for its financial success, irrespective of artistic merit.
Most deserved (almost) final send-off: “Succession”
“Succession” concluded its acclaimed run with a bang, securing victories in the categories it was nominated for. The series won four awards in total: Best Television Series, Drama; Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Drama for Sarah Snook; Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series, Drama for Kieran Culkin; and Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Supporting Role for Matthew Macfadyen. As the show bids farewell with its final season, these wins serve as a fitting and well-deserved send-off.
Best historic win: Lily Gladstone becomes first Indigenous Best Actress winner
The night witnessed a historic moment as Lily Gladstone became the first Native American woman to win in the Best Actress category. Her win for “Killers of the Flower Moon” resonated not only for its individual significance but also for its broader impact on representation in the industry. Gladstone’s speech, delivered partly in the Blackfoot language, acknowledged the historic nature of the win and expressed gratitude to the Golden Globes for recognizing the film’s importance to Native American
Somto is an Entertainment Reporter with a passion for uncovering the latest stories in the world of entertainment. As a dedicated journalist, Somto delivers in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews, and breaking news coverage.
She covers a wide range of topics, from celebrity interviews to industry trends and film reviews.
As an Entertainment Reporter for Prime Business Africa, She continues to provide comprehensive and insightful coverage of the entertainment industry, offering readers an insider's perspective on the latest developments and trends. She is a trusted source for breaking news, exclusive interviews, and thought-provoking analyses.
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