Golden Globes 2024: Oppenheimer Explodes, Succession Reigns

The 81st Golden Globe Awards, held on January 8, 2024, were a glittery affair filled with surprises, emotional speeches, and a clear dominance by two powerhouses: Christopher Nolan’s historical drama “Oppenheimer” and HBO’s satirical family saga “Succession.”

Movie Highlights

“Oppenheimer” reigns supreme

The film, a biographical drama about J. Robert Oppenheimer and the creation of the atomic bomb, took home the top prize, Best Motion Picture – Drama. Cillian Murphy was also awarded Best Actor – Drama for his portrayal of Oppenheimer, and Christopher Nolan won Best Director.

“Poor Things” Wins Best Musical/Comedy

Yorgos Lanthimos’s darkly comedic reimagining of Frankenstein surprised many by winning Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Emma Stone’s captivating performance as the film’s unconventional heroine earned her the Best Actress – Musical or Comedy award.

“Barbie” makes history

The live-action “Barbie” film, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, may not have won in its major categories, but it did snag the inaugural Cinematic and Box Office Achievement Award, a new category recognizing outstanding commercial success.

Other notable wins

Lily Gladstone made history as the first Indigenous person to win a Golden Globe in the Best Supporting Actress – Musical or Comedy category for her role in “Reservation Dogs.” Da’Vine Joy Randolph, another rising star, received her first Golden Globe for her performance in “The Holdovers.”

Television Triumphs

“Succession” Reigns Supreme in Television

On the television side, HBO’s Emmy-winning drama “Succession” asserted its dominance once again, sweeping the major categories with four wins. The show, which concluded its fourth and final season in May 2023, claimed Best Drama Series, Best Actor in a Drama Series for Jeremy Strong, Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for Sarah Snook, and Best Writing in a Drama Series for Jesse Armstrong.

“The Bear” claws its way to victory

The FX on Hulu comedy-drama about a young chef struggling to keep his family’s sandwich shop afloat, won Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy. Jeremy Allen White delivered a standout performance as the show’s protagonist, earning him the Best Actor – Musical or Comedy award.

“Abbott Elementary” shines on

ABC’s mockumentary sitcom about a group of passionate teachers at an underfunded Philadelphia school won Best Television Series – Comedy. Quinta Brunson, the show’s creator and star, also won Best Actress – Comedy.

Other notable wins

Amanda Seyfried was recognized for her portrayal of Elizabeth Holmes in Hulu’s “The Dropout,” winning Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film. John Boyega received his first Golden Globe for his performance in the Apple TV+ miniseries “Small Axe.”

Some memorable moments

• Host Jerrod Carmichael delivered a hilarious and thought-provoking opening monologue that touched on a variety of topics, including the HFPA’s recent controversies.
• Taylor Swift made a surprise appearance to present the new Cinematic and Box Office Achievement Award, and her fans went wild.
• The cast of “Succession” provided some of the night’s funniest and most heartwarming acceptance speeches.

Additional Facts

• The ceremony was held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California.
• Tina Fey and Amy Poehler were originally announced as co-hosts, but they pulled out due to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the organization that presents the Golden Globes.
• This year’s awards were not televised due to the HFPA controversy.
• Despite the challenges, the 81st Golden Globes remained a significant event in the entertainment industry, highlighting some of the best films and television shows of the year.

Overall, the 81st Golden Globes Awards were a night of celebration for the best in film and television. With “Oppenheimer” and “Succession” emerging as clear frontrunners, the awards season is shaping up to be a thrilling one. Stay tuned for more updates as the race to the Oscars heats up!