The 79th Golden Globe Awards unfolded in a dazzling spectacle, with Oppenheimer emerging as the night's big winner, securing five prestigious awards, including the top prize for Best Drama Film. Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. were both celebrated for their outstanding acting performances, and Christopher Nolan clinched the Best Director title for the biopic that grossed an impressive $954 million worldwide.
In his acceptance speech, Murphy paid homage to Nolan's "rigour, focus, and dedication," emphasizing the visionary director's pivotal role in bringing J. Robert Oppenheimer's story to life. Downey Jr., who portrayed US government official Lewis Strauss, humorously acknowledged the film's unlikely box office success, stating, "A sweeping story about the ethical dilemma of nuclear weapons grosses $1 billion? Dozens of folks have come up to me since the summer time saying I was unrecognizably subtle as Lewis Strauss."
The Golden Globes also made history as Lily Gladstone, star of Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon," became the first indigenous person to win the Best Drama Actress award. Gladstone began her acceptance speech by speaking the Algonquian language Blackfoot, expressing gratitude for her upbringing on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana.
Succession dominated the TV categories, with multiple wins for its acclaimed fourth and final season. Kieran Culkin and Sarah Snook were named Best Leading TV Actor and Actress, respectively, while Matthew Macfadyen secured the award for Best Supporting Actor. The show's success culminated in the coveted Best Drama Series award.
Barbie, in a surprising turn of events, received the inaugural Box Office Achievement Award after grossing an impressive $1.4 billion worldwide. Margot Robbie and director Greta Gerwig accepted the award, dedicating it to movie fans around the world.
Other notable wins included "Anatomy of a Fall," "The Holdovers," and "Poor Things," each receiving two awards. At the same time, Da'Vine Joy Randolph and Paul Giamatti earned recognition for their outstanding performances in "The Holdovers." Billie Eilish won Best Original Song for "What Was I Made For?" from the "Barbie" soundtrack.
The Golden Globes also recognized Elizabeth Debicki for portraying Princess Diana in "The Crown" and Emma Stone for her role in "Poor Things." Stone, who won Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy, expressed gratitude to director Yorgos Lanthimos and writer Tony McNamara, reflecting on the transformative impact of her character, Bella Baxter.
As the first major ceremony of the film awards season, the Golden Globes set the stage for what promises to be a compelling and competitive journey leading up to the Oscars on March 10, 2024. The night was not only a celebration of outstanding talent and achievements but also marked a turning point in the industry's recognition of diverse voices and stories.
