The Golden Globes are Hollywood’s hybrid event; a bit like the Oscars but also a bit like the BAFTAS, judged by the comparatively tiny Hollywood Press Association. However, they always make for an interesting night, slightly less grandiose than their weepier counterparts and with a history of entertaining hosts.
This year’s shenanigans were led by America’s comedy darlings, SNL team Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Following the much talked about show hosted by David Brent, sorry, Ricky Gervais, they were a guaranteed success, prodding fun at the eternally mockable Hollywood acting circle whilst remaining light hearted and engaging.
Though the Golden Globes looks like a pretty good night out, it is more often considered to be the indicator of who is going to be giving an overlong speech come the Oscars. Apart from the TV nominees, of course. They probably won’t be invited. However, this year saw the field blown wide open as Ben Affleck won Best Director and his film Argo pipped the tipped Lincoln for Best Film Drama Award. (It’s ok, Stephen Spielberg. You’ll live.) Jessica Chastain deservedly took the Best Actress in Drama Award for controversial Zero Dark Thirty, whilst Christopher Waltz proved his ever growing popularity with a win for Django Unchained.
Nevertheless, some things seem set in gold, with Daniel Day Lewis scooping a Best Actor in Drama award for Lincoln (he’s probably still in period dress) and Les Misérables taking Best Picture – Musical or Comedy.
Awards aside, the most dramatic event of the night was not a fictional one, but a real and heartfelt speech from Jodie Foster, upon the reception of her Cecile B DeMille ‘Outsanding Contribution to Entertainment’ Award. This prestigious nod has previously been awarded to Alfred Hitchcock, Martin Scorsese and Walt Disney, with Foster becoming the second youngest woman to receive it. Having been in the public eye for 47 of her 50 years, Foster has dealt with her fair share of media invasion. From a stalker who attempted to assassinate President Reagan on her behalf, to continued debate about her sexuality, she dealt with these situations with dignity and elegance, the two key elements to her speech. The speech marks the first time she has publicly acknowledged her sexuality, and her dedication to both feminism and film makes her a wholly deserving recepient of the award.
Alongside Fey and Poehler, wins for Homeland, Adele, and TV series Girls, the Golden Globes went a long way to highlighting the female success stories in Hollywood. Here’s to the girls.
Golden Globe Awards 2013
Picture, Drama: “Argo.”
Picture, Musical or Comedy: “Les Miserables.”
Actor, Drama: Daniel Day-Lewis, “Lincoln.”
Actress, Drama: Jessica Chastain, “Zero Dark Thirty.”
Director: Ben Affleck, “Argo.”
Actor, Musical or Comedy: Hugh Jackman, “Les Miserables.”
Actress, Musical or Comedy: Jennifer Lawrence, “Silver Linings Playbook.”
Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz, “Django Unchained.”
Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway, “Les Miserables.”
Foreign Language: “Amour.”
Animated Film: “Brave.”
Screenplay: Quentin Tarantino, “Django Unchained.”
Original Score: Mychael Danna, “Life of Pi.”
Original Song: “Skyfall” (music and lyrics by Adele and Paul Epworth), “Skyfall.”
TELEVISION:
Series, Drama: “Homeland.”
Series, Musical or Comedy: “Girls.”
Actress, Drama: Claire Danes, “Homeland.”
Actor, Drama: Damian Lewis, “Homeland.”
Actress, Musical or Comedy: Lena Dunham, “Girls.”
Actor, Musical or Comedy: Don Cheadle, “House of Lies.”
Miniseries or Movie: “Game Change.”
Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Julianne Moore, “Game Change.”
Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Kevin Costner, “Hatfields & McCoys.”
Supporting Actress, Series, Miniseries or Movie: Maggie Smith, “Downton Abbey.”
Supporting Actor, Series, Miniseries or Movie: Ed Harris, “Game Change.”
Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award: Jodie Foster.
