Amid much backlash and criticism, last year’s Golden Globe Awards took a turn of events, changing fundamentally from previous years. There was no live streaming of the night or even any celebrities in attendance, and winners were announced via social media. This all began when the Los Angeles Times published an expose on the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), a group of journalists who are responsible for handing out the Golden Globe Awards. The article noted that there were no black journalists among the 87 members and emphasized the lack of diversity in the 2021 award nominations. The icing on the cake of the organization’s controversy was when HFPA president, Phillip Berk, was removed after making disparaging remarks about the BLM movement.

After this, there was much speculation on how the 80th Golden Globe Awards would run, but the awards did return to NBC last week. There were many notable changes to the event after HFPA’s new president Helen Hoehne affirmed her commitment to improving the association’s diversity. HFPA’s efforts were evident, with the group of reporters now being 52% female and 51.5% racially and ethnically diverse. This year also saw an increase in the number of awards being handed out, with the honors of supporting actor and supporting actress being split up into two different categories. 

Out of the three-hour long broadcasting, one of the highlights of the night was when HBO’s House of the Dragon won best TV drama series. A prequel to Game of Thrones, this spinoff was a huge hit this year with fans eagerly awaiting the next season. Co-stars Emma D’Arcy and Milly Alcock joyfully accepted the trophy with executive producer Miguel Sapochnick. 

Netflix’s Dahmer was another smashing success of 2022, though surrounded in much controversy. Evan Peters, who played the role of the infamous serial killer, took home the honor of best actor in a limited series. This was a huge milestone for the actor, with this being his first Golden Globes’ nomination as well as win. Though Peters did not acknowledge the backlash of Dahmer, he thanked the viewers, stating the show was “a difficult one to make, a difficult one to watch, but I sincerely hope some good came out of it.”

Jennifer Coolidge, his female counterpart, also won her first Golden Globe for her portrayal of lovelorn heiress Tanya, in HBO’s The White Lotus. Coolidge, who received an Emmy for the same role last year, thanked Mike White, the creator of the show, in her speech. “Even if this is the end because you did kill me off, you changed my life,” she said, referring to Tanya’s untimely death in the show. 

As for the category of Best Actress in a Motion Picture, this accolade went to Cate Blanchett for her role as distinguished composer in Tar. However, Blanchett was not in attendance to accept her trophy. The category of Best Actor in a Motion Picture was received by Austin Butler for his role in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis. The actor, 31, continued to emulate his character with fans pointing out the similarity in his voice to the famed rock star. “Elvis Presley, you were an icon and a rebel and I love you so much,” he said.

Ending the star-studded night, the final award of Best Motion Picture went to the film The Fabelmans. Loosely based on the real life of director Steven Spielberg, the movie follows young Sammy Fabelman of a Jewish family, discovering his love for film. Spielberg also won the Golden Globe for Best Director. He acknowledged his long-spanning success in the industry and joked in his brief acceptance speech: “I don’t want to be the reason this goes too far into the 11:30 p.m. news in New York City.”

There were many other awards handed out to countless talented individuals, but these were just a few of the winners and best moments of the night. The 80th Golden Globes was truly a significant event in the history of film. Much-needed changes were implemented to promote inclusivity in an industry that has long been criticized for its institutional racism, and viewers were once again given the chance to tune in, and celebrate the best of artistic performances and moviemaking.