During the 2024 Golden Globes, director Brady Corbet took time during his acceptance speech to pay tribute to his late friend, filmmaker Jeff Baena, who tragically passed away at the age of 47. Corbet, who won the award for Best Director for his film The Brutalist, expressed his condolences for Baena and his wife, actress Aubrey Plaza, who was absent from the ceremony.
Corbet's heartfelt remarks came as he accepted his award, saying, "Tonight my thoughts are with Aubrey Plaza and the family of Jeff." Baena, known for films such as Life After Beth and Joshy, was remembered fondly by those who knew him, particularly for his collaborative work with Plaza, whom he married in 2021 after several years together.
This year's Golden Globes saw several notable winners, with the film Emilia Perez making headlines by winning four awards. Directed by Jacques Audiard, the film not only secured the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, but also won for Best Non-English Language Film. The Best Actress award for Drama went to Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres for her performance in I'm Still Here, which depicts the Brazilian military dictatorship of the 1970s.
Nicole Kidman, nominated for her role in the film Babygirl, did not take home the award, leaving many fans disappointed. Alongside her was the film's director, Halina Reijn, who was present to celebrate her acclaimed work. Other nominees for Best Actress included Hollywood heavyweights such as Angelina Jolie, Kate Winslet, Pamela Anderson, and Tilda Swinton.
Emilia Perez's success at the Globes signals not only recognition for Audiard's direction but also showcases burgeoning talent from the international film community.
Brady Corbet's film The Brutalist also had its moment to shine, winning two Golden Globes. Corbet was recognized for his direction, and Adrien Brody won Best Actor in the Drama category. This signifies the film's strong reception among critics and audiences alike, highlighting the increasing importance of fresh narratives and personal storytelling within the cinematic space.
The 2024 ceremony was impactful not just for its accolades but for how it navigated the emotional terrain of loss, especially with the tribute to Baena who left behind a legacy of creativity and connection. Corbet's words on the importance of familial bonds and friendship echoed throughout the night, blending the celebratory mood with moments of reflection.
On the television front, Shogun emerged as the most awarded series, securing accolades for Best Drama Series, as well as awards for lead actors Anna Sawai and Hiroyuki Sanada. Its triumph points toward the growing diversity and global influence within storytelling mediums.
The Golden Globes serve as not only a celebration of excellence but also as a reminder of the fragility of life within the entertainment industry—illustrated poignantly through Corbet's heartfelt tribute. The balance of recognition and remembrance defined this year's ceremony, leaving attendees and viewers with poignant memories to reflect upon.