The Golden Globe Awards return this Sunday, January 7, with a star-studded lineup of presenters, including well-known personalities like Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Yeoh, Ben Affleck, and Dua Lipa. This renowned event is set for a comeback with significant changes behind the scenes aiming to revamp its image and secure a lasting resurgence. Known for celebrating the best in film and television and kicking off the awards season, the show has made several alterations in response to past controversies.
One of the key changes involves a major shakeup in membership and a shift to a new broadcasting network for the January 7 event. However, the burning question remains: Will audiences tune in? The show is banking on a captivating roster of presenters, featuring renowned figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Yeoh, Ben Affleck, and Dua Lipa to draw viewers.
Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming 81st Golden Globe Awards.
How to Watch the Golden Globes?
Viewers in the United States can catch the live ceremony from the Beverly Hilton Hotel, starting at 8 pm Eastern Time (6:30 am IST). On the West Coast, it will air at 5 pm. The three-hour show is set to benefit from a strong lead-in as CBS plans to broadcast an NFL game just before the Globes.
CBS has announced that the show will be available on its app and will stream on Paramount. However, a crucial detail to note is that only Paramount subscribers with the Showtime add-on will be able to watch the show live. Otherwise, it will be accessible on the streaming platform from Monday onwards.
What's New at the Golden Globes?
This year marks the awards' first major broadcast on CBS. Despite appearances, significant changes have taken place behind the scenes following a contentious report in the Los Angeles Times in 2021. The report highlighted the absence of Black members in the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the body responsible for voting on the awards.
Following widespread backlash, stars and studios boycotted the Globes, leading NBC to refuse airing the event in 2022. The HFPA underwent reforms by including journalists of color in its ranks and addressing ethical concerns, leading to the show's return last January under a one-year probationary agreement with NBC. However, NBC chose not to renew the deal.
In a groundbreaking move, billionaire Todd Boehly was granted permission to dissolve the HFPA and transform the Golden Globes into a for-profit organization. Boehly’s Eldridge Industries acquired its assets along with Dick Clark Productions, owned by Penske Media, which also holds assets like Variety, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, Rolling Stone, and Billboard.
Additionally, a new award for stand-up comedy has been introduced, with nominees including Chris Rock, Amy Schumer, and former Globes host Ricky Gervais.
Host and Presenters
Comedian Jo Koy, known for headlining Netflix specials and starring in the comedy film "Easter Sunday," is set to host the Globes. Organizers praised his "infectious energy and relatable humor."
The full list of presenters was unveiled, featuring returning figures like Michelle Yeoh, Angela Bassett, Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, Annette Bening, Mark Hamill, Kevin Costner, Jonathan Bailey, Orlando Bloom, and Will Ferrell.
Golden Globe Nominees
Leading the nominations this year is "Barbie," closely followed by "Oppenheimer." The diverse lineup reflects the Globes' tradition of splitting the top film winners into two categories. With films like Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" and Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" taking the lead, the awards aim to capitalize on the buzz surrounding these films, which has boosted theater attendance.
Nominated for Best Motion Picture Drama are titles like "Oppenheimer," Martin Scorsese’s "Killers of the Flower Moon," Bradley Cooper’s "Maestro," Celine Song’s "Past Lives," Justine Triet’s "Anatomy of a Fall," and Jonathan Glazer’s "The Zone of Interest."
In the Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy category, alongside "Barbie," nominees include Ben Affleck's "Air," Cord Jefferson's "American Fiction," Alexander Payne's "The Holdovers," Todd Haynes' "May December," and Yorgos Lanthimos' "Poor Things."
Top Television Programs
The top-nominated television program is "Succession," receiving nine nods, including nominations for series stars Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, and Kieran Culkin, followed by Hulu’s "The Bear."
Who Votes for the Globes?
The voting body for the awards now comprises over 300 individuals from around the world, representing a more diverse group compared to the previous smaller voting pool.
Golden Globes Legacy
The Golden Globe Awards have historically been among the most prominent awards season broadcasts, rivaling only the Oscars in prestige. Known for its A-list party atmosphere and more laid-back approach compared to the Oscars, the show traditionally focused on the most prominent film categories, excluding technical categories.
However, the small voting body of around 87 members wielded substantial influence in the industry and was often subject to controversies involving gifts and travel provided by studios and awards publicists seeking favor and votes.
