Award season officially kicked off with the 80th Golden Globes ceremony, with big wins, looks and even more significant achievements. The award show made its grand comeback after not airing last year due to outrage and protests against the lack of diversity surrounding the show.
The Golden Globes returned harder than ever, with the significant wins being some of our favorite Black creatives receiving their flowers. Check out some of our favorite moments from the 80th Golden Globe awards.
Jerrod Carmichael Became The First Black Host In 79 Years
During the ceremony, Carmichael hosted with honesty and rawness, starting his monologue with why he hosted. “I’m here ’cause I’m Black,” he said. During the opening speech, he created laughter and some discomfort in the room as he called out the lack of diversity and inclusion by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
Zendaya Won Her First Golden Globe
Although one of our favorite It girls did not attend the Golden Globes, she did receive her first win for her performance as Rue in the HBOMax show Euphoria. Even though she could not physically be there to share her gratitude, she took to Instagram to share a few words.
“Thank you to my Euphoria family. Without you, none of this is possible,” she penned. “Lastly, thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has allowed Rue into theirs. I think everyone knows how much she means to me, but the fact that she can mean something to someone else is a gift.”
The Abbott Elementary Cast Won Big Time
The Globes had big winners last night, but Abbott Elementary won the night for us. With Tyler James Williams winning his first Golden Globe for best supporting actor in a musical, comedy, or drama award were all smiles. “I pray that this is a win for Gregory Eddie and for his story and for stories like his,” he said.
Quinta Brunson also took home a Golden Globe for best TV actress in a musical or comedy series. She shared her gratitude to her loved ones, cast and those who believe in her vision. But the night’s biggest win was when Abbott Elementary won for best musical or comedy TV series. This win represents what it means to support Black stories and fund the creatives behind them.
Rihanna Graced Our Screens
Anytime we see Rihanna, we instantly light up. The singer made her Golden Globes debut for her nomination for best original song in a motion picture for “Lift Me Up” in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and looked stunning doing it. Her boyfriend, A$AP Rocky, accompanied her, and the couple smiled the entire night.
Michaela Jaé Rodriguez Receives Her Flowers
Since the Globes did not air last year, we did not watch Michaela Jaé Rodriguez physically accept her award as the first trans actor to win a Golden Globe for her performance as Blanca in the FX show Pose. So Ryan Murphy took the opportunity during his acceptance speech for the Carol Burnett TV Achievement Award to let Rodriguez have her moment.
Angela Bassett Becomes The First Actor To Win A Golden Globe For A Marvel Film
Angela Bassett checked another iconic moment off her list as she accepted her Golden Globe award as Queen Ramonda in the Marvel Movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. This award makes her the first actor to win for an MCU movie.
“We embarked on this journey together with love,” she said. ”We mourned, we loved, we healed, and we were surrounded each and every day by the light and the spirit of Chadwick Boseman.”
Eddie Murphy Receives The Cecil B. DeMille Award
Eddie Murphy has been in our lives for decades, and he received his flowers at the Golden Globes this year for his constant contribution to the culture. Throughout his acceptance speech, he thanked the ones who supported him since he stepped into show business, and in true Eddie Murphy fashion, he closed the night out with a joke about Will Smith’s infamous slap.
About Kenyatta: Kenyatta Victoria is an entertainment and culture reporter passionate about music, pop culture, and marginalized stories. She has bylines in publications such as Chicago Reader, INSIDER, Girls United, TransLash Media, and the Chicago Tribune.