Golden Globes 2018

A sea of black awash the 75th Golden Globes tonight.  While it didn’t dim the glitz, it’s an unusual sight.  Stars were wearing black as a symbol of solidarity following the watershed, #MeToo movement in the wake of sexual misconduct news that have toppled powerful men in entertainment, news and politics, and tremendous push for change.  Several activists were invited to the red carpet event.  The blackout movement was part of Time’s Up, an organization founded by Hollywood’s most famous women, which also has initiated a legal defense fund.

Seth Meyers, first-time host for the show, went straight the point opening the show, “Good evening, ladies and remaining gentlemen… It’s 2018, marijuana is finally allowed and sexual harassment finally isn’t.”  He mentioned this was the first time in three months a white man wasn’t terrified to have his name read out loud (i.e., a nomination for award instead of being accused of misconduct).  He addressed the elephant in the room, “Time to address the elephant not in the room: Harvey Weinstein isn’t in the room… he’ll be back in 20 years when he’s the first person booed in the in memoriam.”  He went on to mock Kevin Spacey, asking if Christopher Plummer (who replaced him in “All the Money in the World” at the last minute) would also be available for the TV show “House of Cards.”

Meyers appeared to be self-aware of his awkward position as a straight white guy hosting this year’s award show.  He quipped, “If it’s any consolation, I’m a man with absolutely no power in Hollywood.  I’m not even the most powerful Seth in the room tonight.”  The camera cut to Seth Rogen.

Meyers took a jab at President Trump when introducing the President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) as the real ‘stable genius.’  The HFPA President announced two grants in the amount of $1 million each to journalism groups, in a year of undersieged media.

Beyond the usual thank yous, stars’ speeches were sprinkled with support for women and encouragement for victims of sexual harassment, assault or abuse to not be silenced and to speak up.  There’s also a mention about gender inequality and call for more women to be nominated for directing great films.

Oprah Winfrey received the Cecil B. DeMille lifetime achievement award for her outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment, the first black woman to receive the award.  She expressed, “I value the press more than ever before as we try to navigate these complicated times… speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have.  I’m especially proud and inspired by all the woman who felt strong enough and empowered enough to speak up and share their personal stories.”  Winfrey closed her impassioned speech with a message to young girls, “A new day is on the horizon.  And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women… and some pretty phenomenal men fighting hard to make sure they are the leaders to take us to the time where nobody has to say ‘me too’ again.”

It’s a somber affair by awards event standard, and coincidentally, a lackluster year for movies.

And the Golden Globe goes to…

Best motion picture, drama: “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

Best motion picture, musical or comedy: “Lady Bird”

Best motion picture, animated: “Coco”

Best director, motion picture: Guillermo del Toro, “The Shape of Water”

Best performance by an actress in a motion picture, drama: Frances McDormand, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

Best performance by an actor in a motion picture, drama: Gary Oldman, “Darkest Hour”

Best performance by an actress in a motion picture, musical or comedy: Saoirse Ronan, “Lady Bird”

Best performance by an actor in a motion picture, musical or comedy: James Franco, “The Disaster Artist”

Best performance by an actress in a supporting role in any motion picture: Allison Janney, “I, Tonya”

Best performance by an actor in a supporting role in any motion picture: Sam Rockwell, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

Best screenplay, motion picture: Martin McDonagh, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

Best original score, motion picture: Alexandre Desplat, “The Shape of Water”

Best original song, motion picture: “This Is Me” — “The Greatest Showman”

For a list of all the winners, check out the Golden Globes website here.

Copyright (c) 2018.  Nathalia Aryani.

Nathalia Aryani is a film columnist and has a movie blog, The MovieMaven (sdmoviemaven.blogspot.com). Twitter: @the_moviemaven. She can be reached at indotransserv@gmail.com.