First-Time Golden Globes Nominees’ Work Celebrated at Luncheon
At a Dec. 17 luncheon in honor of first-time Golden Globe nominees, Robbie Williams smiled, “It’s always nice being invited to the party, even though normally I don’t go. But I really wanted to come here. I feel very fortunate to be nominated and very lucky to be invited here.” He praised the friendly and welcoming mood in the room.
The event, held at The Maybourne in Beverly Hills, was the Globes’ first-ever luncheon honoring nominee-newcomers.
With 60 people attending, it was a name-dropper’s dream, as Ariana Grande hugged Pamela Anderson, Gabriel LaBelle chatted with Mikey Madison, Kathryn Hahn huddled with Cooper Koch, and Adam Brody was deep in talks with Hiroyuki Sanada (from “Nobody Wanted This” and “Shogun,” respectively).
Golden Globes president Helen Hoehne made brief welcoming remarks, observing that the organization has earned a reputation for discovering talent and “we hope this event will become a cherished addition” to the calendar. She added that a first nomination is a milestone and “this room is filled with visionaries.” She urged the nominees to look around and realize “these people are your peers, your supporters and I hope your collaborators in the year to come.”
Freddy Wexler, producer and co-composer for the song “Forbidden Road” from “Better Man,” beamed, “I grew up watching the Globes with my parents in their New York apartment, so to now be nominated feels surreal. Being at the Golden Globes first-time nominee luncheon — an intimate and warm celebration — surrounded by such talented storytellers who’ve inspired me for years is truly special.”
Zoe Saldaña said she is excited about the record 10 nominations for “Emilia Pérez” and the growing international-ization of the industry. She added, “The luncheon was a really lovely experience. It’s incredible to be surrounded by so many talented artists whom I admire and it’s so humbling to be a first-time nominee alongside them. It’s especially meaningful to be here with my fellow artists from ‘Emilia Pérez,’ Camille and Clément Ducol.”
Other musical artists there included Lykke Li (the song from “The Last Showgirl”), Michael Pollack and Jordan K. Johnson (“The Wild Robot”), and Kris Bowers (for his score from the same film).
The media often portrays awards nominees as competing rivals, but this event counteracts that perception: There was a feeling of camaraderie and support throughout the day, plus excitement about the Jan. 5 event at The Beverly Hilton, to be broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+.
Guests had a choice of sea bass with miso glaze, roasted chicken breast or a cauliflower steak, plus arugula salad and devil’s food cake.
The event was supported by The Maybourne and Swarovski, which provided crystal centerpieces, a paperweight on each guest’s plate, plus a necklace in the gift bag with a spa experience at The Maybourne Spa.