I am not big on watching the Golden Globes, but I do understand that many awards junkies are into them. It’s all part of the inevitable road to the Oscars.
However, this year is quite an interesting conundrum for them. You see, the Globes are on trial for lack of diversity and sketchy finances. So, of course, what do they do? Not nominate a single Black actress in the leading role category. I couldn’t care less, but I find the situation amusing. The obvious snub was Jennifer Hudson’s performance as Aretha Franklin in “Respect.” They did nominate three Black actors in the Acting Drama category, and two women in Supporting Drama. So, there’s that.
If one were to take a step back from all this hysteria, they would realize that the HFPA is inclusive by nature. Once jokingly referred to as the United Nations of Hollywood, its members come from all over the world.
Last year’s 78th annual Golden Globes was a bloated, glitchy, nervous wreck. Numerous technical glitches were to be found in this mostly-virtual ceremony. The fact that there’s no Black member doesn’t mean there isn’t a person of color. Keep in mind that this ridiculous controversy, and awards show, is happening in the middle of a pandemic-inflicted economy, where more important issues need to be raised and an outrageous number of people have lost their jobs. Being enraged by a Foreign organization not having Black members is as 2021 as it gets.
Nevertheless, some surprises from this morning’s nominations:
Maggie Gylenhaal getting in for Best Director. You gotta catch “The Last Daughter,” her direction is so assured, astute and refined. I’ve seen the film twice now and it gets better with every viewing.
Mahershala Ali getting a Best Actor nod for the underseen “Swan Song.” Hell, I haven’t even seen it. Do I have to now? He plays a terminally ill man who decides to have himself cloned. The reviews have been meh.
”Nightmare Alley” completely snubbed. It’s not a bad movie, but is basically Guillermo del Toro fetishizing his way in film noir genre theatrics. I’m starting to doubt its Oscar odds.
The most Globe-esque move has got to be giving Marion Cotillard’s performance in “Annette,” a character that gets killed off halfway through the movie, a nom. Hysterical.
There will be no red carpet at the Golden Globes this year. NBC is refusing to air the ceremony on January 9th. When the winners will be announced is still a mystery. What a clusterfuck — they are clinging to any sort of relevance they have left at this point.