The recent awards ceremony witnessed not only the talents of celebrities and other creative minds, but also the 81st Golden Globe Awards’ momentous firsts.
The 81st Golden Globe Awards was filled with fun, laughter, endearing moments, and historic firsts. The award-governing body introduced two inaugural awards last year for the 2024 ceremony, so the awardees for these two categories are truly unforgettable. Aside from that, more significant moments unfurled, making this year’s Golden Globe Awards’ momentous firsts are truly one for the books.
Here are our favorite moments during the awards ceremony held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel:
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Lily Gladstone, the first indigenous awardee
The Killers of the Flower Moon actress won best actress award for drama in the 81st Golden Globes as per The Hollywood Reporter. Lily Gladstone honored her heritage through her acceptance speech, where she spoke a few lines in the Blackfeet or Blackfoot language. She is part of the community as she grew up in their Montana reservation.
Gladstone shared an art work from Ricardo Carte days after the Golden Globes. The work of art featured two characters in front of a television, where a snippet of her acceptance speech is shown.
“Thank you, Golden Globes, I hope you know how much this moment means,” the actress wrote.
Christopher Nolan’s first Golden Globe
Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan earned his first Golden Globe award after six nominations. The Hollywood Reporter said Nolan noted this was his second time onstage at the ceremony, his first being in 2009 when he accepted Heath Ledger’s award for best supporting actor.
The director said in his acceptance speech that it was simpler accepting the award for himself but as a director, he can accept it on behalf of his people. He thanked Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., the rest of Oppenheimer’s cast and crew, and his wife, Emma Thomas.
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First Golden Globe for Hayao Miyazaki at 83
The Boy and the Heron won its Golden Globes for best animated feature. Animation legend Hayao Miyazaki is the brain behind the masterpiece, and with it he won his first award at 83.
The cast, crew, and producers couldn’t make it to the awards show, so actresses Florence Pugh and Natalie Portman accepted the honor on their behalf.
Ali Wong is first Asian best actress in a limited series
Ali Wong snagged her “history-making win” at the Golden Globes. Her performance in the drama series Beef won her the honor of best actress in a limited series. Her co-star, Steven Yeun, also won best actor in the category.
Wong became the first Asian American actress who earned accolades from the awarding ceremony. She thanked the cast and crew during her acceptance speech and showed appreciation to her husband, Justin, for standing by her.
“It’s because of you that I am able to be a working mother,” Wong said as she ended her speech.
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Barbie wins first Box Office Achievement Award
Vanity Fair reported last year that the Golden Globes added a few categories to their roster. One of these included cinematic and box office achievement. It honored a motion picture for having gained an extensive global audience and has produced exceptional content. The Golden Globes award went to Greta Gerwig’s Barbie.
Margot Robbie, who played Barbie, received the award with Gerwig. They thanked every single person involved in doing the film. Robbie added her gratitude to the Golden Globes for creating an honor that “celebrates movie fans.”
“It’s a movie about Barbie but it’s also a movie about humans,” she said. “We made it for you and we made it with love. Thank you for loving it back.”
Ricky Gervais secures an inaugural comedy award
Vanity Fair mentioned as well that the Golden Globes also added the category best stand-up comedian on television. The award venerated outstanding work done by a comedic performer. Ricky Gervais won the inaugural award in the Golden Globes, but was not present at the ceremony.
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Jo Koy is first Filipino American host
Filipino-American stand-up comedian Jo Koy hosted the 81st Golden Globes. While some were not amused with his delivery, others showed appreciation and understanding towards him.
Howard Stern, Whoopi Goldberg, and Steve Martin defended the comedian. Stern said even Jimmy Kimmel had to prepare for six months while Goldberg commented that Jo Koy is as good as it gets in stand-up comedy. Martin, on the other hand, praised him, saying that hosting the Golden Globes is the toughest gig in show business.
Jo Koy mentioned in an interview with Good Morning America that he felt bad, but he still loved what he did.
The comedian-host said during a “7 questions for Golden Globes host Jo Koy” video that the awards ceremony is a big gig for him.
Banner photo via Instagram @lilygladstone.
