The 81st Golden Globe Awards was broadcast live on January 7, 2024, from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. The Golden Globes are television and movie awards spanning numerous categories that honor those productions of 2023. This year, however, was historic in several ways. Two new categories were presented: stand-up comedy and cinematic and box office achievement. Several awards were presented to Oppenheimer, such as Drama Motion Picture, Original Score, Director of a Motion Picture, actor in a Drama Motion Picture, Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture, Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, Screenplay of a Motion Picture, and cinematic and box office achievement award. These awards position Oppenheimer, and Oscar voting begins this week. Barbie was also presented with several awards like cinematic and box office achievement awards, director of a motion picture, musical or comedy motion picture, actress in a musical or comedy motion picture, and supporting actor in a motion picture. Television awards were largely dominated by only three series: The Bear, Succession, and Beef.
Sophomore Olivia Nolan says, “I loved how many awards Barbie won. It really deserved the wins as such a big release with a great soundtrack and awesome characters.” Not only was Barbie a big topic of discussion due to its numerous awards, but it was also discussed after the host, Jo Koy, made a joke regarding the movie. There have been very poor reactions towards this and he is currently receiving a lot of backlash from many celebrities. Sophomore Lauren Armstrong says, “His joke was not on theme with the awards as history was being made and showing how big of an impact Barbie made when it was released, so he kind of downplayed it in that way.”
Additionally, Lily Gladstone made history by being the first Indigenous winner of best actress. Ali Wong also made history as the first Asian American to win best actress in a limited series. Overall, many empowering and historic moments were made for women around the world as well as for avid cinema-goers everywhere.
