At the 82nd Golden Globe Awards held at the iconic Beverly Hilton, Netflix's gripping series Baby Reindeer and Hulu's epic Shōgun captured the spotlight, securing numerous awards and solidifying their status as frontrunners for upcoming accolades. Hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, the star-studded event saw Shōgun clinching four awards, including the coveted Best Drama Series, outpacing formidable competitors such as Squid Game and Slow Horses. The adaptation of James Clavell's celebrated novel set during 17th-century feudal Japan not only triumphed for best series but also for three acting categories with Anna Sawai, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Tadanobu_Asano taking home major awards.
Likewise, Baby Reindeer shone brightly, bagging the award for Best Limited Series, with creator Richard Gadd expressing hope through his acceptance speech. “For awhile, there’s been this belief in television stories which are too dark and complicated won’t sell and no one will watch them, so I hope Baby Reindeer has done away with this theory,” said Gadd. The series has sparked significant dialogue and controversy surrounding its portrayal of real-life events and individuals, highlighted by a substantial $170 million lawsuit from someone claiming negative representation.
The night also celebrated other noteworthy series like HBO Max's Hacks, which won Best Comedy or Musical, along with stars Jean Smart and Jeremy Allen White receiving acting honors. The Globes came back stronger with more than 10 million viewers tuning in, regaining trust following previous controversies.
On the cinematic front, breakout hits included The Brutalist and the genre-defying Emilia Perez, each winning top honors at the awards. The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet, was awarded Best Film, Drama, and also saw Corbet claiming Best Director and Adrien Brody winning Best Actor for his compelling performance as a Holocaust survivor. Corbet, reflecting on the project, noted, “I was told this film was un-distributable... But it works.”
Emilia Perez, lauded for its inventive storytelling, earned accolades such as Best Film, Comedy or Musical, and Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña. Director Jacques Audiard's creation emphasizes resilience and identity through its narrative. During her acceptance speech, transgender actress Karla Sofía Gascón boldly stated, “You can maybe put us in jail. You can beat us up. But you never can take away our soul or existence or identity.”
This year’s awards season has showcased surprising wins, such as Demi Moore’s first Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy for her role in The Substance. At 62, Moore conveyed disbelief as she accepted her trophy, saying, “Thirty years ago, I had producers tell me I was a popcorn actress.”
Unexpectedly, Best Actress in a Drama went to Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres for her performance in I’m Still Here, which centers around political dissidence and familial struggles, with Torres dedicators her achievement to her iconic mother, Fernanda Montenegro.
The night also highlighted significant performances across various genres, including standout roles from Sebastian Stan and Colin Farrell, marking another celebratory year for unique storytelling and representation. Ali Wong also made headlines, winning for Best TV Stand-up Comedy Performance.
Reflecting on the eventful evening, Glaser delivered both humor and poignant social commentary throughout her opening monologue, dramatically noting how Hollywood can influence but can’t dictate elections. This comment encapsulated the challenges celebrities face amid social issues.
While different films captured awards, notable contenders like Wicked secured the award for cinematic achievement. Director Jon M. Chu praised the film’s optimism amid challenges, emphasizing its significant box office success.
The Golden Globes seem to signal growing diversity and varied storytelling methods, paving the path for engaging discussions around art’s role amid cultural shifts. While not all anticipated hot contenders took home awards, the recognition highlighted the expanded narrative possibilities explored by creatives from varied backgrounds.
Following the tumultuous past of the Golden Globes, their revival indicates both the industry's resilience and continued commitment to groundbreaking stories. The 82nd Golden Globes were not just about celebrating success but also reflecting the myriad voices and stories shaping contemporary cinema and television. With compelling narratives and vibrant performances thriving, these awards are set to bolster hopes as nominees gear up for the upcoming Academy Awards.