Inside the 2023 Golden Globes: Sightings and No-Shows

It was a comeback year for the Golden Globes Awards in every sense. It’s the series’ first year back from its forced hiatus, and it’s been years since the Globes were the only other awards show that was less legit but more fun — and not the tainted product of a scandal-mongering Hollywood Foreign Press Association that included diversity, the mishandling of Brendan Fraser’s groping claims and more. Who its members choose for a Golden Globe almost seemed like an afterthought.

However, a few minutes after the dinner was served in the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hills Hilton, the show seemed to be back to its old ways, with attendees who weren’t allowed onto the red carpet staring enviously at the privilege of the petite. , an elegant Moët glass with a rose-colored spout, which was given at the end of the spectacle.

“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” director Rian Johnson and co-star of HBO Max’s “Hacks” walked in as dinner was served, but there were murmurs of whether the room always felt this empty at this point in the festivities. Sipping her red carpet champagne, Heidi Klum turned away from the half-empty bar area and appeared shocked at the red carpet feed monitor. Maybe the talent really missed the Globe this year.

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In the end, everything was true. Host Jerrod Carmichael captured the mood of the night with his opening monologue: Everyone was aware of the HFPA drama, but still felt the industry “deserves nights like this.” At this point, most of the ballroom was distracted by them coming in or figuring out how to find something to eat. Same as ever.

It was Everything Everywhere All at Once star Ke Huy Quan’s emotional acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actor that left everyone speechless — just as Quan gestured to his directors, the Daniels, saying, “They gave me the a chance to try again,” as she held back tears. Host Jennifer Hudson and best supporting actress Angela Bassett (“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”) cuddled up on stage in gold and silver sequined dresses; Jennifer Coolidge pontificated about presentation anxiety. It all worked for both the seated guests and the viewers at home, and provided a familiar reminder of what the Globes can deliver.

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Much of the evening was for those closest to the stage: “Abbott Elementary” star Quinta Brunson twice illustrated the difficulty of running the gauntlet of table rounds to get on stage as she accepted two awards for the ABC sitcom, including best television award. Series – musical or comedy. The performers and recipients had a bird’s-eye view of Brad Pitt and Rihanna, but it was impossible for anyone else to see where the big stars were sitting. Everyone loves the Golden Globe Bar; many people skipped it because it would be too difficult to get up and come back within a commercial break.

The bathroom line was a reliable source of entertainment: ‘Hacks’ star Carl Clemons-Hopkins complimented host Colman Domingo’s black Dolce & Gabbana suit! Rihanna’s beau, A$AP Rocky, washed his hands at the sink! Elsewhere, rapper TI toured the room, stopping to chat with nominees like “Top Gun: Maverick” producer David Ellison and star Jay Ellis.

These Globes also offered participants a new game: What stars really couldn’t make it to the show? No excuses for Zendaya, who won for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama; it just wasn’t there. Best actress and drama award winner Cate Blanchett (“TÁR”) filmed in London, host Henry Golding read from the Teleprompter – but she didn’t just accept an award in Palm Springs and didn’t attend the awards screening of her film on Saturday and Sunday in Los Angeles. ? Regina Hall couldn’t help but laugh at her performance as best actor in a television series, and drama winner Kevin Costner (“Yellowstone”) blames the weather in nearby Santa Barbara for not going. (To be fair, the flooding meant the 101 freeway was closed, as was the Santa Barbara airport.)

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This year’s show no longer had a studio and network-sponsored afterparty inside the Hilton. Instead, the hotel hosted a low-key soiree presented by Billboard. Winners like “Babylon” composer Justin Hurwitz and “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” star Evan Peters headed straight for the line that allowed the statues to be engraved, but within an hour most of the big stars had left the line. building. Some turned to impromptu celebrations, such as a small reception at Tommy’s in Beverly Hills for the best picture drama award for “The Fabelmans.” While the film’s stars Michelle Williams, Seth Rogen, Judd Hirsch and Gabriel Labelle all stopped to grab a White Negroni or snack on a macaron, it was Harvey Guíllen and Salma Hayek-Pinault who graced Universal Pictures’ Puss. voice actors. in Boots: The Last Wish”, who closed the party.

In the process of saving face, the HFPA did a good job of showcasing what the Golden Globes have to offer, from hosting rising star Carmichael to inviting influencers the stars would really love to see, like Amelia Dimoldenberg, host of the viral interview series. “Chicken shop date.” Some of the winners were annoyed that they tried to play them off stage, but the crowd inside loved their defiant reactions.

All is forgiven? No. As of this writing, the jury (and: the ratings) is out, as everyone considers the Globe’s entertainment, financial and promotional value. As the night’s wisest host, Natasha Lyonne, said last night: “Since time makes death easier, it’s wisest to keep the beat.”

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