Top memorable moments from the 2023 Golden Globe Awards

The 2023 Golden Globe Awards ceremony took place Tuesday, January 10. After seeing scandals and backlash over a lack of diversity in 2022, the Hollywood Foreign Press released a revamped awards show this year with some welcome changes and memorable moments.

Host Jerrod Carmichael did not mince his words as he opened the show with, “I’m here because I’m Black,” addressing the previous year’s controversies head-on. At the same time, his demeanor was soft-spoken, humble, and grateful. Not to mention Carmichael’s outfit changes were nothing less than impressive.

Recognizing works on the big and small screens, the top prizes of the night were:

• Best Motion Picture – Drama:  The Fabelmans
• Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy: The Banshees of Inisherin
• Best Television Series – Drama: House of the Dragon
• Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy: Abbott Elementary
• Best Director – Motion Picture: Steven Spielberg, The Fabelmans

The abstract comedy Everything Everywhere All at Once might have lost the award for Best Musical or Comedy, but its cast won big in this category. Iconic actress Michelle Yeoh took home the prize for best actress, and Ke Huy Quan (also credited as Jonathan Ke Quan) won best supporting actor. This category spans dramas and comedies, with Quan beating out the formidable competition.

If this name sounds familiar, you might remember Quan as the feisty Short Round in the classic Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. In addition to highlighting Asian actors at the Globes, Everything Everywhere All at Once was Quan’s comeback role. In a heartfelt acceptance speech, the former child actor thanked legendary director Steven Spielberg for giving him his first film role. 

“I am so happy to see Steven Spielberg here tonight – Steven, thank you!” A beaming Spielberg responded by blowing “Shorty” a kiss.

Some event traditions were absent, while others were on full display. There was no Golden Globe Ambassador named this year. Also called “Miss Golden Globe,” this individual is usually no more than the child of a famous parent. With nepotism under scrutiny, no one was introduced at the awards show or named on its website.

Yet the Golden Globes did live up to its reputation as the booziest of awards shows, as it is not unusual for attendees to get completely smashed. Case in point this year, Mike White’s hammered joy for the success of The White Lotus. HBO Max’s acclaimed hit won Best Television Limited Series and Best Performance by an Actress in A Supporting Role in a Limited Series (Jennifer Coolidge).

As for the honorary awards, Ryan Murphy took home the Carol Burnett Award and comic legend Eddie Murphy took home the coveted Cecil B. DeMille Award. For those who do not endure alcohol-induced amnesia, the 2023 Golden Globes were memorable for all the right reasons.