The 83rd Golden Globes delivered a night of surprises, culminating in a stunning victory for “Hamnet,” Chloé Zhao’s poignant Shakespearean drama. The film, a beautifully rendered exploration of grief and family, upset expectations to claim the award for Best Motion Picture – Drama, shortly after star Jessie Buckley was recognized for her captivating performance.
While Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” entered the evening as the clear frontrunner, it still dominated in the comedy categories, securing wins for Best Film – Comedy, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and a supporting actress award for Teyana Taylor. Anderson achieved a rare feat, becoming only the second director in Globes history to sweep the director, screenplay, and film awards – a distinction previously held by Oliver Stone.
The night’s final award proved to be the biggest shock. Despite the momentum behind Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” a gripping Jim Crow-era vampire thriller, “Hamnet” seized the dramatic spotlight. The win felt particularly resonant, celebrating a film born from Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel and brought to life with remarkable sensitivity.
“Sinners” wasn’t without its accolades, however, earning recognition for its evocative score and a significant win for Cinematic and Box-Office Achievement. The film’s impressive $278 million domestic and $368 million worldwide gross – making it the highest-grossing original film in fifteen years – underscored its broad appeal and impact on audiences. Coogler, accepting the award, expressed gratitude for the audience’s enthusiastic support.
The ceremony itself, hosted by Nikki Glaser, was a blend of pointed satire and genuine celebration. Glaser’s opening monologue fearlessly tackled current events and Hollywood’s quirks, setting a tone of self-awareness and sharp wit. She didn’t shy away from addressing industry anxieties, even playfully “auctioning off” Warner Bros. amidst its uncertain future.
Timothée Chalamet marked a personal milestone, winning his first Golden Globe for “Marty Supreme” after four previous nominations. The moment was made even sweeter by the visible support of fellow nominees Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney, a testament to the camaraderie within the industry. Chalamet spoke movingly about the importance of gratitude, acknowledging past disappointments as fuel for his current success.
Beyond the major awards, the Globes recognized a diverse range of talent. Rose Byrne was celebrated for her performance in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” Wagner Moura for his powerful portrayal in “The Secret Agent,” and Stellan Skarsgård received a standing ovation for his decades-long career, culminating in a win for “Sentimental Value.”
Television also had its moment, with “The Pitt” taking Best Drama Series and Netflix’s “Adolescence” sweeping four awards, including acting accolades for Erin Doherty, Stephen Graham, and newcomer Owen Cooper. Seth Rogen’s satirical “The Studio,” which cleverly parodied the Globes themselves, won Best Comedy Series, adding a layer of meta-humor to the evening.
The 83rd Golden Globes unfolded against a backdrop of industry uncertainty and political awareness. Attendees subtly acknowledged current events with pins advocating for justice and change. While distinct from the Academy Awards in its voting body and scope, the Globes served as a crucial momentum builder for Oscar contenders, offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of cinematic recognition.
