The Golden Globes 2023: All the key moments you might have missed

The Golden Globes 2023 ceremony was never going to be a dull affair. The fact that it went ahead at all was controversial, given the criticism the Hollywood Foreign Press Association—the organisation that votes on the awards—has faced over the last two years, for alleged self-dealing and a lack of diversity among its members. However, the star-studded show’s return to screens wasn’t the only notable thing about the night. Below, see all of the key moments you might have missed from the event that kicked off awards season.

Ms Howard schooled the HFPA on diversity

On a red carpet where most attendees seemed eager to ignore the elephant in the room, the indomitable Sheryl Lee Ralph, nominated for playing veteran kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard in Abbott Elementary, did not. “You know, that moment at the Emmys was surreal,” she told reporters of her previous win. “It was unique, it was special, it was god-blessed, it was all the years of hanging in there and believing in myself, in my talent, and praying for the industry to open its doors for me to be able to step out into the light. So, here I am now at the Golden Globes. It’s my very first invitation. It’s my very first time being here, and I’m very thankful that it would be this year, a year when the HFPA would open up its heart and its minds to an understanding that diversity actually works and giving all people, no matter what colour, shade, shape, gender or size, [seeing] they all have something to add to this industry. I’m very happy to be here for this moment with this particular organisation.”   

Jamie Lee Curtis was the red carpet MVP

Dressed in an elegant black lace cape, the Everything Everywhere All At Once star reflected on her first Golden Globes more than three decades ago in a red carpet interview with Variety. “I felt very out of place,” she said. “I didn’t fit in. I felt very stiff.” That certainly wasn’t the case last night: she went on to crash Danny Ramirez’s red carpet interview, kissed Barry Keoghan, told The Hollywood Reporter that it would be “incredible” to win the Best Supporting Actress statuette, and confirmed that she’s “ready” for a Freaky Friday sequel.  

Jessica Chastain stole the show in a glittering naked dress (and matching face mask)

Nominated for Best Actress in a Limited Series for her performance in George & Tammy, the Oscar winner paired her stunning Oscar de la Renta gown with an equally eye-catching face mask – admirable on a red carpet where face masks were almost nonexistent.

It was a Disney Channel reunion for Selena Gomez and Jenna Ortega

The two former child stars, and nominees for Only Murders in the Building and Wednesday, sent the internet into a frenzy by posing together, and fans responded by sharing older pictures of the pair, from back when Jenna played Harley Diaz in Stuck in the Middle. 

Selena also delighted attendees by bringing her sister as her date (much like Elvis nominee Austin Butler, who also brought his sister). Meanwhile, every A-lister present was seen fangirling over Jenna, from Anya Taylor-Joy to Margot Robbie. 

Also being fangirled over? Jennifer Coolidge, of course 

The star of The White Lotus radiated glamour on the red carpet and was namechecked by everyone from Jean Smart to Emma D’Arcy. “I’m sitting at a table with Jennifer Coolidge, which I’m really looking forward to,” said the former, while the latter added: “I don’t really know anyone… but I just finished watching the second season of White Lotus, so I think if I could get within a three-metre radius of Jennifer Coolidge, it would make my jet lag worthwhile.” Jennifer later won Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series for her swan song as Tanya McQuoid, saying, “Some of the people that are in this room, that kept me going for like 20 years with these little jobs… I didn’t know anybody and it was this thing that wasn’t going anywhere. I had such big dreams as a younger person, but they get fizzled by life. Mike White, you’ve given me hope, a new beginning.”

Jerrod Carmichael set the tone with his opening monologue 

In the show’s opening minutes, the host dove headfirst into the controversy around this year’s ceremony. “I’ll tell you why I’m here,” he said to the audience. “I’m here ’cause I’m Black. This show did not air last year because the Hollywood Foreign Press Association—which I won’t say were a racist organisation, but they didn’t have a single Black member until George Floyd died. So do with that information what you will.” He then recounted being “invited to be the Black face of an embattled organisation”, adding: “So I did what I do when I have a moral racial dilemma. I call my homegirl Avery, who for the sake of this monologue represents every Black person in America. And I said, ‘What should I do?’ She was like, ‘Well, how much are they paying you?’ And I said, ‘$500,000.’ And she said, ‘Boy, if you don’t put on a good suit and take them white people money…’”

He continued, “I was really proud of that decision, until I got an email from a publicist saying that Helen [Hoehne], the president of the HFPA, wanted to have a one-on-one sit down with me. I said, ‘No thanks, I know when I hear a trap.’ Then they came back like, ‘Well, they’re not really asking, they’re insisting that you take the meeting.’ And I’m like, ‘Or what?! They’re gonna fire me?!’ They haven’t had a Black host for 79 years and they’re gonna fire the first one? I’m unfireable. And it came back again: ‘Helen really just wants to educate you on the changes that the organisation has made in regards to diversity.’ And I’ll be totally honest with everyone here tonight. I don’t really need to hear it. I took this job assuming they hadn’t changed at all. I heard they got six new Black members, congrats for them, whatever. I’m here, truly, because I look out into this room and I see a lot of talented people. And regardless of whatever the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s past may be, this is an evening where we get to celebrate. And I think this industry deserves evenings like these.”

Ke Huy Quan scooped Best Supporting Actor – and paid tribute to his roots

The Everything Everywhere All At Once star gave a tearful acceptance speech, saying: “I was raised to never forget where I came from, and to always remember who gave me my first opportunity. I am so happy to see Steven Spielberg here tonight. When I started my career as a child actor in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, I felt so very lucky to have been chosen. As I grew older, I started to wonder if that was it, if that was just luck. For so many years, I was afraid I had nothing more to offer. No matter what I did, I would never surpass what I achieved as a kid. Thankfully, more than 30 years later, two guys thought of me. They remembered that kid, and they gave me an opportunity to try again.”

Best Supporting Actress winner Angela Bassett paid tribute to Chadwick Boseman

Having become the first actor ever to win a major individual acting award for a movie based on a Marvel Comic with her Golden Globe for playing Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Angela said: “We embarked on this journey together with love. We mourned, we loved, we healed. We were surrounded each and every day by the light and the spirit of Chadwick Boseman. We have joy in knowing that with this historic Black Panther series, it is a part of his legacy that he helped to lead us. We showed the world what Black unity, leadership and love looks like, behind and in front of the camera.” The night marked Angela’s second Golden Globe win. The first? For playing Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do with It in 1993.  

Rihanna’s late entrance caused quite the stir

The superstar skipped the red carpet and snuck into the Golden Globes 2023 mid-show, but her presence certainly did not go unnoticed. “I love you and I dressed up as you for Halloween,” Dahmer’s Niecy Nash told her from the stage, while Jerrod Carmichael added: “Rihanna, you take all the time you want on that album, girl.”

Colin Farrell and Michelle Yeoh refused to be played off 

The Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy recipient for The Banshees of Inisherin said “You can forget that piano” as soon as he started being played off. Then came the Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy winner Michelle Yeoh, who told the piano player, “Shut up, please. I can beat you up.” While that elicited a big laugh, the rest of her speech prompted tears from the audience. “I’m just going to stand here and take this all in,” she said. “Forty years… I’m not letting go of this.” Austin Butler was also in attendance to accept his Best Actor in a Drama award for Elvis, though the Best Actress in a Drama winner for Tár, Cate Blanchett, was notably absent. 

Ryan Murphy let Michaela Jaé Rodriguez have the standing ovation she deserved 

The prolific producer won the Carol Burnett Award for outstanding contributions to TV, and paid tribute to the Pose actor who became the first trans actress to win a Golden Globe last year in a ceremony that wasn’t broadcast. “How I would have loved for MJ to be on this stage getting the standing ovation she deserved for making history,” he said. “I’m thrilled to say that MJ is one of my guests tonight. So MJ, please stand up, and let’s give her the ovation she deserves.” Cue rapturous applause. 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a virtual appearance

After being introduced by Sean Penn, the Ukrainian president recalled the start of the Golden Globes in 1944. “The Second World War wasn’t over yet, but the tide was turned, all knew who would win,” he said. “There were still battles and tears ahead. It was then when the Golden Globe awards appeared, to honour the best performers of 1943. It is now 2023. The war in Ukraine is not over yet but the tide is turning. And it is already clear who will win. The free people of the free world. Those who united around the support of the free Ukrainian people in our common struggle for freedom. There will be no Third World War, it is not a trilogy. Ukraine will stop the Russian aggression on our land.”

Eddie Murphy has three pieces of advice for industry newcomers

“I want to let you know that there is a definitive blueprint that you can follow to achieve success, prosperity, longevity and peace of mind,” the Cecil B DeMille award recipient told the audience. “I’ve followed it my whole career. It’s very simple: pay your taxes, mind your business, and keep Will Smith’s wife’s name out your fucking mouth.”

Regina Hall was hilarious in explaining why Kevin Costner was absent from the ceremony

The winner of the Best Actor in a TV Series – Drama statuette for Yellowstone could not attend, and Regina had to accept on his behalf. “He so much wanted to be here,” she said, laughing hysterically. “I always like how they write this. But I’m sure he did. But because of the unprecedented weather and flooding – it has been raining – he has to shelter in place in Santa Barbara. Let’s pray, everyone.”

The Fabelmans and The Banshees of Inisherin went home with the two biggest prizes

Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical family drama and Martin McDonagh’s surreal farce were named Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, respectively. As the march towards the Oscars continues, they remain the two frontrunners for Best Picture.

This article first appeared on vogue.co.uk

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