Golden Globes 2023: A Night of Incredible Speeches
The 80th annual Golden Globes televised award ceremony returned last night to NBC. Returning after the decades-long relation between the ceremony and broadcasting network had a fallout in 2022 over criticism about the purposeful lack of diversity and inclusion both in nominees and members of the committee.
The HFPA, the organization that presents the awards, was forced to make changes as Hollywood started to boycott it, demanding profound changes and calling out pervasive practices. Surprise, surprise racism and misogyny is still alive and thriving.
It’s very humbling when you realize that organizations that hold this much power have to be forced into making changes as I very naively believe everyone understands that women and Black people are just as important and worthy of inclusion and recognition just as anyone else. In my mind there is no excuse as to why the door is shut in their faces, but last night the speeches made by the winners made it all better.
So apparently some changes were made and accused sexual abusers were fired. So in the spirit of change and calling out exclusionary behavior let’s keep our heads up and like Niecy Nash said “let's keep the Black girl magic rolling!” and celebrate the amazing women who took home the big win.
Quinta Brunson is an actress, a writer, a producer, a comedian and an award winner. Brunson’s talent, dedication and pursuit of her passion is an example of the greatness that can be achieved by the people others have a nag to neglect.
She is the creator and star of Abbott Elementary, a series that granted her the win for Best Actress in a TV comedy series as well as Best Television Series, Musical, or Comedy! Receiving the award in a black and pink custom Christian Siriano gown. A very well fitting strapless gown with a voluminous mermaid tail finish, not a fan of the tulle but the way the draping hugs Brunson’s body is undoubtedly perfect.
Head-to-toe glimmer was brought by best supporting actress winner Angela Bassett. Her performance as Queen Ramonda in the acclaimed film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever made her the first actor to win a major recognition for any Marvel films.
The night’s big winner wore a silver halter-neck gown by Pamela Roland serving old Hollywood style with a futuristic take. A body hugging silhouette that fell perfectly on the actress's body, I just have to remind you that she is 64 years old and dressing like no one’s business.
As the award winning actress accepted her award she said; “life is already a miracle of chance just waiting for you to order its destiny”. One of the many awakening lines delivered by the winners, a night filled with what felt like new optimism.
Dark evil characters, a lack of necklaces on the red carpet and heartfelt speeches that made many cry where a continuos theme throughout the night.
Speeches that really pierced my heart with their relatability on how life will not always be what we expect or plan, sometimes we will feel like all the struggle is not amounting towards what we so desperately think we want. Sometimes the feeling of failure is so overwhelming that it doesn’t let us realize that in order to get to where we want to go we have to make every moment legendary. Everything is amounting to something great and the only control we have over it is the way we approach life. There are no small roles and just like Jennifer Coolidge made every role legendary no matter how small it might have been.
Jennifer Coolidge accepted the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series in a form fitting, off-the-shoulder, long-sleeved, black sequined Dolce & Gabbana gown. Serving as a nod to her White Lotus character's muse; Monica Vitti who was a muse for the fashion house and a symbol of La Dolce Vita. Congrats Jennifer!
Ángela Bassett told us how destiny is waiting for us to be arranged, and we did. The demands for change made for the HFPA are an example of how destiny is not in the hands of a few. A centuries-old fight that defined Michelle Yeoh’s career as she recalls how she was told she wouldn’t make it “you're a minority”. She went and proved them wrong, not that it was easy.
Just like Jennifer’s story Michelle comes and tells us to not stop dreaming! Age doesn’t define the level of amazing things that we can create for ourselves.
"It's been an amazing journey and an incredible fight to be here today," she said. Recognizing everyone that came before her who fell under the minority label and had to fight and pave the path she can walk on today. So if you ever wonder if representation really matters I will tell you what Michelle told the Golden Globes pianist, shut up!
Taking home the award for Best Actress for her role in sci-fi comedy Everything Everywhere All At Once in an architectural couture blue Armani Privé two tier crystal gown. The dramatic ruffles might add unnecessary volume and the fit would’ve looked better without them, the sparkles and texture give the dress all the drama it needs.
Speaking about drama, the year 2022 saw many critically acclaimed films directed by women. Still, although not surprising, none of the 10 films nominated for Best Picture Drama or Comedy categories included a female director. Sarah Polley who directed Women Talking was the only woman considered under the Screenplay category. Quick reminder that in the 80 years the awards have been held only 9 women have been nominated, only 9. In 80 years only 9 women directed films have been considered. Only 9! It goes without saying it is not because women don’t make great films, this year alone we were grazed with Till, The Woman King, Aftersun and many more. Check the complete list here.
Polley’s Film recounts the life of a group of women who get together to face horrific truths about their community. Attended the event despite it being a bit controversial as she said she wants to engage in the change and conversation of giving a spotlight to other directors.
“On my mind tonight, specifically, are the incredible female filmmakers who weren’t represented here tonight,” Polley said.
She wore a Valentino beaded floor-length gown and sleeveless cape. A look that would’ve been way better styled with pants making it a suit that would match the glasses.
Anytime you feel down or just tired Google the speeches delivered last night and you will feel a thousand times better and inspired.