Awards season has begun, and once again, the controversy has already started. On Sunday, January 5, the 77th Golden Globe Awards were presented in Beverly Hills, California. These prestigious awards, honoring the best in television and film were not without controversy, regarding both the winners of the awards, and the speeches made. Opening the ceremony was host Ricky Gervais, a British comedian, whose opening monologue was met with quite a few laughs- but even more aghast stares.

Gervais began by stating that it was his final time hosting the Golden Globes, therefore, he did not care who he offended, and he stood by his words. Continuing on with jokes about Felicity Huffman, who served a brief prison sentence for her part in the college admissions scandal, and Leonardo DiCaprio, regarding his reputation for dating younger women. Although he received many laughs, critics agree that his joke about the Me Too movement was over the top.

As honors were given out to the stars in attendance, the highest honors were met with bated breaths in the audience. The Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy, was given to Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood. This film, directed by Quentin Tarantino, surrounds the end of Hollywood’s Golden Age in 1969. Its star-studded ensemble included Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio. The Best Motion Picture, Drama and the Best Director honors were both given to Sam Mendes, for his work on 1917, a moving World War I film meant to look as if it was filmed in just two consecutive takes. This was considered a large upset by viewers, who expected films such as Parasite or The Irishman to take home the titles.

Another highlight from the awards that deserves recognition was the award of Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy. This award was given to Awkwafina, for her work in The Farewell. Awkwafina was the first Asian-American lead actress to win an award at the Golden Globe, a step towards breaking racial and ethnic barriers previously seen in Hollywood.

As celebrities accepted their awards, many used their time on stage to advocate for impactful causes. Views differ on whether this is acceptable for an event with no intended bias. Dalia Malakoff, an Oakton freshman, said, “I don’t think that celebrities should use time at awards shows for political commentary. These ceremonies should be something light-hearted and fun for everyone to watch, regardless of political beliefs.”

Some acceptance speeches centered around the topic of climate change. As the Australian bush fires continue, keeping actor Russell Crowe from being present to receive his award, Jennifer Aniston, Cate Blanchett, and others brought up the urgency of the climate change crisis in their speeches. Another speech that was more than just a thank you for the award was given my Michelle Williams. Williams, who took time at the Emmys this past fall to draw awareness for equal pay and other issues in the work environment, chose to take time to deliver a message on women’s reproductive rights.

As the 2020 awards season commences, the Golden Globes give viewers insight into potential outcomes for the Oscars, which will be held on Sunday, February 9. These ceremonies have become more than just jokes from a playful host, gossip about high fashion, and actors thanking their adoring fans. Whether viewers like it or not, award acceptance has become a time for the famous to quite literally step into the spotlight, and address their political and social views.