Aside from the winners, here are the most memorable moments from the night that sets the film award season in motion.
Ricky Gervais’ opening monologue
The UK comic returned to host the awards for the fifth time. As expected, he delivered a jaw-dropping monologue that took no prisoners. The After Life star took aim at everyone including the Hollywood Foreign Press, the Catholic Church, Felicity Huffman, diversity in Hollywood, and ‘friends’ of Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein.
A joke regarding Judi Dench’s role in the movie adaptation of musical Cats was so risque, Gervais even hesitated before delivering it. His monologue received mixed reactions from the crowd. Jonathan Pryce and Tom Hanks appeared less than impressed, while Sienna Miller, Naomi Watts and Gwyneth Paltrow were in stitches.
Ricky Gervais kicks off The #GoldenGlobes. pic.twitter.com/ZSdqiWMudx
— NBC Entertainment (@nbc) January 6, 2020
Jason Momoa’s tank top
Cameras captured Aquaman’s Momoa at his table relaxing without his green velvet blazer, revealing the star was wearing a tight-fitting black tank top. Viewers would have been grateful the actor didn’t take the black tie dress code too seriously, with his lack of shirt allowing him to show off his superhero physique.
All-vegan menu debuted
In the name of environmental awareness, the Golden Globes served up a vegan menu for this year’s awards. Gervais used the menu to make fun of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, saying that like the meal, the HFPA was “all vegetables”. Joaquin Phoenix thanked the HFPA for the “bold move” in “recognising and acknowledging the link between animal agriculture and climate change” as he accepted his award for Joker.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s abs
The 47-year-old stole the show while presenting the award for best supporting actress in film, revealing her rock-hard abs in a sheer skirt and top combination designed by Fendi.
Olivia Colman’s acceptance speech
The Crown star Olivia Colman has become known for her hilarious acceptance speeches, and accepting the award for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II was no exception. Colman told the crowd she had “already got a little bit boozy” prior to learning she had won because she was so sure she would not take home the gong. The audience laughed as she announced she was “completely stumped” as to what to say.
Stars get political
Gervais begged stars not to use their acceptance speeches to make political statements, saying, “You’re in no position to lecture the public about anything – you know nothing about the real world”. But many of them didn’t heed his warning, with actors such as Patricia Arquette, Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett calling for change.
Several stars used the bushfire crisis in Australia to draw attention to climate change. “When one country faces a climate disaster we all face a climate disaster,” said Blanchett. Joaquin Phoenix said “we need to do more” than sending well wishes to residents affected by the fires, and urged stars not to “take private jets to Palm Springs”.
A pregnant Michelle Williams used her speech to advocate for abortion rights, saying she was “grateful to have lived in a moment in our society where choice exists because as women and as girls things can happen to our bodies that are not our choice”. The Fosse/Verdon star said she had been able to carve her life with her own hand, and said she “wouldn’t have been able to do this without employing a woman’s right to choose”.
Michelle Williams accepts The Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie. #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/afS9Hkuoky
— NBC Entertainment (@nbc) January 6, 2020
