The Golden Globes 2024 delivered unforgettable moments, surprise wins, and a dash of humor. Brady Corbet’s 215-minute epic, The Brutalist, claimed the Best Drama Film award, alongside Best Director for Corbet and Best Actor for Adrien Brody. This post-war tale of a Jewish artist has put itself on the fast track for Oscar buzz. Corbet shrugged off doubts, quipping, “No one was asking for a three-and-a-half-hour film in 70mm, but it works.”
The genre-bending Emilia Pérez dominated comedy and musical categories, winning Best Film, Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña, and Best Non-English Language Film. Director Jacques Audiard called it “a beacon of light” and added a heartfelt note about sisterhood improving the world. Saldaña’s emotional performance and the film’s hit song “El Mal” turned it into Netflix’s shining hope for Oscar season.
Shock waves came with Julianne Moore’s win for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for The Substance. At 62, this was her first Globe after decades in Hollywood. “I’m in shock!” said Moore, recounting how she was once labeled a ‘popcorn actress.’ Fernanda Torres also surprised as Best Actress in a Drama for I’m Still Here, telling a powerful story of political turmoil in 1970s Brazil.
Sebastian Stan emerged as Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy for A Different Man. “These tough stories need to be told,” said Stan, whose transformation-heavy role struck a chord. And in a big nod to box office success, Jon M. Chu’s Wicked won the newly minted Cinematic Achievement award after raking in nearly $700 million. Chu called for “a radical act of optimism” in the arts.
The night wasn’t just about movies. On the TV side, Shogun swept with four awards, including Best Drama Series and acting wins for Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai. Hacks and The Bear also added major trophies to their shelves, while Ali Wong and Colin Farrell grabbed attention for their transformative roles in stand-up and drama respectively.
Comedian Nikki Glaser kicked off the show with a nervy monologue that poked fun but avoided roasting the crowd too hard. After a rocky few years for the Globes, the show bounced back with high ratings and CBS signing on for a five-year deal. The night ended on a strong note, with Hollywood stars embraced in optimism and art’s power to bring light—and a smile or two.