Well, the 2019 awards season has official begun with the kick off the 76th annual 2019  Golden Globes awards on January 6, 2019.

Incredible show this year full of surprises, diversity and great acceptance speeches!

Presented by The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the show was hosted by the very talented Andy Samberg and award-winning actress  Sandra Oh.  The Korean Canadian is one of few Asian actresses that have won several globes including one this year for her  memorable performance in “Killing Eve.” The actress  brought her proud parents to the show and thanked them profusely with a traditional Korean bow when she won for Best Actress in a Drama Series (my contacts were telling me that many people at the after parties were saying that they wanted both Andy and Sandra back again next year as co-hosts).

The show had some unexpected winners such as the film  “Bohemian Rhapsody”(saw it twice!) which took home Best Dramatic Film. The Bryan Singer directed movie also gave the Best Actor win to Rami Malek. Malek’s role of a lifetime as iconic musician Freddie Mercury has been praised by many film critics with some even saying that the actor resembled the singer in real life.  Singer’s movie, loved by many Hollywood bigwigs, studio execs and A list actors has grossed worldwide over $747 million and continues to break box office records globally. The masterpiece is sure to win big at the Oscars on Feb. 24.  Academy Award nominations are out on Jan. 22.

Entertainment legends Carol Burnett and Jeff Bridges both received standing ovations and recognition for their amazing work and longevity in the entertainment business. Named after the iconic TV star, The Carol Burnett Lifetime Achievement Award was inaugurated with Burnett being the first recipient to receive it. Hollywood legend Bridges accepted the Cecil B. deMille Award for Lifetime Achievement for his outstanding work in films. Oprah Winfrey was bestowed the honor last year.

The comedy-drama “Green Brook” film based on the true-life friendship between a black musician and white driver in the deep south in the 1960s, took home the globe for Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.  The movie stars the gifted actor Mahersala Ali as musician Don Shirley and award-winning Viggo Mortensen who plays the role of his driver Tony Lip. Incredible film. A must see.

The brilliantly talented Lady Gaga, won for Best Original song for  her incredible ballad “Shallow” in “A Star Is Born”. The star came dressed as if she was coming from a lavish ball in her Valentino gown and sat next to co-star and director of the film, superstar Bradley Cooper, who presented a clean-cut GQ look in a custom fitted Gucci white tuxedo.

But the surprises of the night continued when the stunning  Glenn Close picked up the Best Actress win for her role in “The Wife”. The astonished look on Close’s  face was simply priceless when her name was announced and her bewilderment continued backstage in the press room while addressing the media. Many were anticipating the win would go to Gaga so it was equally surprises for “A Star Is Born” fans when Close’s name was announced.

Last year’s globes were dominated by the #metoo movement and several actresses dressed in the color black in support of the movement. This year, the red carpet fashions included styles and designs in every color, shape and form.

“The Americans”, one of the most popular shows on FX about Russian spies living in America, ended its six-year run on FX last year won for Best Drama. The entire cast (minus one of the stars of the show, the prodigious actor Noah Emmerich) accepted the award. It’s a shame that the show in its 6 year run did not receive more awards. It was indeed a one of a kind series.

Super excited that one of my favorite actresses,  Regina King won Best Actress in a Supporting Role for “If Beale Street Could Talk.” I have been following King’s career and she is not only a brilliant actress but she also uses her popularity and name to give back to society. She spoke in her acceptance speech of improving gender equality.

And a finally note about the amazing Hollywood Foreign Press Association. The non-profit organization has been responsible for the Golden Globes since 1943. But they are not only about honoring the best in the entertainment industry, they do much more. Headed by the amazing president Meher Talab, the organization has since 1990, donated over $33.4 million to charities & given 1,500 scholarships to students. HFPA  just recently announced at the Golden Globes that they will be donating $2 million in additional grants. $1 million will be given to Reporters Committee For Freedom Of The Press and another million will be given to Inside Climate News.

For a complete list of Golden Globe winners, please visit www.hfpa.com

The journey continues and it’s onward to the Oscars!

 

 

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