• 81st Golden Globe Awards

New Levels of Diversity at the 81st Golden Globes

Ceremony day is finally here, and the 81st Golden Globes are ringing in the new year with new levels of diversity—on screen and off.

 

This evening, the event is hosted by renowned comedian and actor Jo Koy. Koy’s stand-up comedy has made its mark worldwide, with a discussion of his Asian American culture and Filipino heritage. Today, his televised presence on the Globes stage marks the second Asian host in Globes history, following Sandra Oh.

 

Millions of viewers watching the CBS live-aired ceremony will experience diversity in entertainment, not only in the event’s host but also in its nominees and the 300 international voters behind the scenes. Voters from 75 different countries cast their ballots with wide-ranging cultural and artistic perspectives, making the Globes an event unlike any other Hollywood awards show.

 

Tonight, the Globes’ representation of diversity in gender and stories also highlights a new chapter in awards show history. This year, two women were nominated for Best Director – Motion Picture. Greta Gerwig for Barbie and Celine Song for Past Lives are honored for their significant works and contributions as film industry leaders.

 

LGBTQIA+ individuals are also represented tonight, with actor Andrew Scott in All of Us Strangers and Bella Ramsey in The Last of Us.

 

More notable diversity is featured within the stories of the films and television series, such as in Killers of the Flower Moon, with Lily Gladstone, of Piegan Blackfeet and Nez Perce heritage, playing an Indigenous woman. More diverse nominees include Rustin’s Colman Domingo, American Fiction’s Jeffrey Wright, and The Color Purple’s Danielle Brooks and Fantasia Barrino.

 

The move toward more diversity in entertainment media signals a move toward embracing the world’s diversity. And, with more diversity across the board at the Globes, the pieces nominated tonight more accurately reflect the individuals and cultures that make up audiences.

 

The 81st Golden Globe Awards will take place Jan. 7 at the Beverly Hilton, its home since 1961. The three-hour ceremony will air live on CBS, streamed on Paramount+, and be available on the CBS app, starting at 5 p.m. PT (8-11 p.m. ET). The Globes is a joint venture between DCP and Eldridge, respectively, run by Jay Penske and Todd Boehly.