The Golden Globes have long been considered the rowdier, more informal version of the Academy Awards, with its open bar and relaxed table seating; and over the years, the event has produced a seemingly endless number of candid speeches and scandalous moments, from overserved starlets to unpredictable political pontificating and at least one poorly timed bathroom break. What about this year? Call us crazy, but we’re expecting even more viral moments, even if the nominees are dialing in from home. In honor of Sunday’s presentation, we’re looking back at the most startling moments from previous Golden Globes.
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Beyoncé arrives late but in style.
Queen Bey was nominated for Best Original Song for a Motion Picture for her work on The Lion King’s “Spirit,” but she missed the start of the 2020 event, sneaking in at the rear just as Kate McKinnon was introducing Ellen DeGeneres for the Carol Burnett Award. Although Beyoncé did not win in her category that year, her understated yet memorable entrance deserves a place in the Globes Hall of Fame.
Michelle Williams advocates for reproductive rights.
Celebrities focusing their award speeches on political topics is nothing new, but when Williams stood up to accept a Globe for her performance in Fosse/Verdon in 2020, she delivered a speech that no one could forget. “I’m glad for the acknowledgment of the decisions I’ve taken, and I’m also grateful to have lived at a point in our culture where choice exists. Because as women and as girls, things can happen to our bodies that are not our choice,” Williams remarked, encouraging women to “vote in your self-interest. It’s what males have been doing for years, which is why the world resembles them so much.”
Seth Meyers criticizes Hollywood’s exploitative history and present.
“It’s time to address the elephant in the room: Harvey Weinstein,” Meyers stated during his opening monologue as the 2018 Oscars host. “But don’t worry, he’ll be back in 20 years as the first person ever to be booed during the ‘In Memoriam.'” Shortly after, Meyers cast Kevin Spacey, who had recently been replaced by Christopher Plummer in All the Money in the World due to sexual misconduct allegations. “There will be another season of House of Cards. Is Christopher Plummer also available for that?” Meyers inquired. “I’m hoping he can pull off a Southern accent because Kevin Spacey couldn’t.” He also went after Trump at the conclusion.
On stage, Elizabeth Taylor goes rogue.
Taylor was known to enjoy cocktails, and it seems that she did so during one of her Globes appearances. In 2001, the Hollywood legend was charged with presenting the award for best drama film and raised a stir with her unconventional approach to the announcement. “What, I don’t open this?” she wondered, holding the vital packet. Thankfully, Dick Clark stepped in and explained that she had to say who the nominees were first.
Emma Stone publicly apologizes for her whitewashing part in Aloha.
At the 2019 Golden Globes, host Sandra Oh made a joke about the 2015 film Aloha, which put Caucasian actor Emma Stone in a role created for a half-Hawaiian, half-Chinese woman. The joke wasn’t entirely startling, considering the film was heavily criticized for its casting choices, which many perceived as whitewashing; the true surprise was hearing Stone cry “I’m sorry!” from her seat in the crowd.
Brad Pitt demonstrates his appreciation for an anti-diarrhea medication.
When Brad Pitt won the Golden Globe for best supporting actor in 1996 for his part in 12 Monkeys, he used the occasion to appreciate an unusual source of support. “I’d like to thank…, the Kaopectate creators,” Pitt stated, adding, “They’ve done a fantastic service for their fellow man,” Pitt revealed off-camera that the drug helps him with his uneasy stomach.
Ricky Gervais’ second hosting gig is a flop.
The British comedian returned to hosting the Globes the following year after hosting it in 2010. In just five minutes, he managed to address Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, Charlie Sheen, and many more. Even more astonishing, Gervais was requested to return as host for the third time in 2012—and will return in 2020.
Amy Poehler and Tina Fey’s perspective on Hollywood’s top males
Fey and Poehler (or at least Gervais) could give a lesson on how to host award shows that make your audience laugh while also making fun of them. Who can forget their hilarious jab at George Clooney? “Gravity has been nominated for Best Picture. It’s the story of how George Clooney would rather perish in space than spend another minute with a lady his age.” Or this Leonardo DiCaprio joke (at 2:34) that is too filthy to write out.
The Rambling acceptance speech of Jacqueline Bisset
Jacqueline Bisset may have won a Golden Globe for her part in Dancing on the Edge in 2014, but her best performance was undoubtedly her acceptance speech. A visibly moved Bisset made little sense throughout, dropping a handful of restricted words and completely ignoring the cutoff music. “I believe, if you want to look nice, you have to forgive everybody,” she said before exiting the platform. You must forgive everyone; it is the best beauty treatment.”
In 2008, the awards ceremony was canceled.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association was forced to cancel the awards event during the Writers Guild strike in 2008 after members of the Screen Actors Guild (a.k.a. Hollywood’s best) agreed not to breach picket lines outside. Faced with the prospect of an empty red carpet, the awards ceremony was substituted that year by a televised press conference revealing the winners.
