In a year that was unpredictable, the overarching emotion at the Dec. 17 Golden Globes luncheon for first-time nominees felt clear: It was gratitude. There were gratitude and optimism for the way that movies, television and podcasts have connected with people, offering comfort and understanding in a chaotic world.

The event, now in its second year, offered first-time nominees and their guests the chance to celebrate, commiserate, or talk shop with others in their situation. “I’m super excited to meet people and to feel the energy in the room already is so incredible,” said Chase Infiniti, nominated for her work in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another. “I can’t wait to feed off of everybody else here.”

Infiniti was one of 11 stars there, with a roster that included Dwayne Johnson, Rhea Seehorn, Damson Idris (representing F1, nominated for best cinematic achievement), Britt Lower, Monica Padman (nominated in the Best Podcast category), Kevin Hart and Jalen Thomas Brooks.

Many attendees spoke about how happy they were that their work and their performances resonated with a viewing public that has so many choices of entertainment. Eva Victor’s Sorry, Baby, did more than garner her a Best Actress in a Drama nomination. She sees it as another chance for people to discover the film and hopefully connect with her character, something that those who have already watched the film are doing. “My goal was if there’s one person on the other side of this who feels less lonely because of it, I will have done my job,” she said. “I’m very grateful for how the movie has continued having a life.”

That sense of resonating with viewers was reflected Golden Globes president Helen Hoehne’s opening remarks. “It’s really a remarkable milestone in all of your journeys, and we couldn’t be happier for you. The work resonated with 400 voters from 95 different countries and regions, which just speaks for how you resonated with so many voters from all over the world, and how incredible your work is.”

Wagner Moura, previously nominated for his TV work on Narcos, saw his first nomination for Best Film Actor in a Drama (for The Secret Agent) as a chance to honor Brazilian filmmaking and culture after their recent divisive political struggles. “Brazil from 2018 to 2022, we were under a government that was against culture, against art,” he said. “They managed to transform artists into the enemies of the people … To see Brazilians really engaging means a lot.”

Every person who attended expressed that securing a nomination felt like the validation of something,  a payoff for their hard work. “I remember the times where I didn’t think that I would make it as an actor, and even being told I would never make it as an actor,” said Tramell Tillman, nominated for his supporting role on the Apple TV+ series Severance. “And here I am … It’s a dream and I’m so fortunate to be able to follow my dreams.”

Guests dined on a choice of herb-crusted branzino, roasted chicken breast or a mushroom wellington, plus strawberry salad and strawberry shortcake, on a menu crafted by Executive Chef Damon Gordon.  The event was supported by The Maybourne and Swarovski, which provided crystal centerpieces, plus a gift bag with a dining certificate at Dante Beverly Hills. Globes’ accounting firm KPMG provided Meta Ray-Ban AI glasses, which have a tiny camera in their frame.

The Golden Globes ceremony will take place on January 11th at the Beverly Hilton and will be broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+.