The Golden Globes took place on Sunday, Feb 28, and because of the pandemic, the show had to make some adjustments. It was mostly virtual, with the exception of the hosts and the award presentations. However, there was no audience like usual and the actors and actresses accepted their awards from home. 

The Red Carpet had to be virtual as well. Most celebrities showed off their looks through social media instead. Anya Taylor Joy, who was nominated for Best Actress for her role in “The Queen’s Gambit,” was one of the stars of the night with a gorgeous, emerald green gown from Dior. Elle Fanning’s elegant, satin gown from Gucci was another fan favorite. However, not every woman wore a gown as Laura Dern sported a stylish black pantsuit from Givenchy. Many fans look forward to the Red Carpet even more than the actual award show, so it was great that the celebrities were able to show off their looks, despite the pandemic. 

The pandemic was not the only reason this year’s show was unique. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, also known as the HFPA, recently came under criticism for having no black journalists amongst the 87-member group. The HFPA is the group that votes to decide the winners of the Golden Globe awards. Many black actors and actresses spoke out on social media and during the award show, criticizing the lack of diversity. 

Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, the show’s hosts, also criticized the HFPA during their opening monologue, demanding that inclusivity is prioritized on the show. This is the pair’s fourth time hosting the show; however, they were not together. While Fey was in New York, Poehler was in California at the Beverly Hilton, where the show normally takes place. 

All awards were accepted virtually as well. With this came many technical difficulties, glitches and audio issues. Daniel Kaluuya won the first award of the night, Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture, for his performance in “Judas and the Black Messiah.” However, as he began his acceptance speech, it turned out he was muted, so nobody could hear what he said.

The remaining awards were presented with less conflict. Chloe Zhao from Nomadland became the first Asian woman to win Best Director for a motion picture. The film also won Best Motion Picture Drama. Pixar’s “Soul” won Best Animated Film and Original Score. Emma Corrin, Josh O’Connor and Gillian Anderson from Netflix’s “The Crown” all took home awards for their performance on the show. “The Crown” was also awarded Best TV Series Drama. “Schitt’s Creek” earned Best TV Series Comedy, and leading actress Catherine O’Hara won Best Actress in a TV Series Comedy for her work on the show. “The Queen’s Gambit” won Best Limited Series, and Anya Taylor-Joy, who starred in the show, earned Best Actress in the same category. 

In the most emotional award presentation of the night, Chadwick Boseman was awarded Best Actor in a Drama for his role in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” Boseman passed away last August of colon cancer, so the award was accepted by his wife. In her tearful acceptance speech, she honored her late husband and thanked Boseman’s family, friends and co-stars on his behalf. 

The Golden Globe Awards mark the beginning of one of the most unusual award seasons the world has ever seen. The shows have had to completely readjust to fit with the COVID-19 guidelines, and therefore change the way in which they are run. However, with vaccines being distributed and case numbers going down, many are hopeful that the next Golden Globe Awards will look a little more normal.