The Golden Globes 2023, which returned to NBC after a year of controversy and reform, celebrated the best in film and television on Sunday night. Among the winners, one of the most surprising and delightful was the comedy film May-December, which took home three awards, including best motion picture – musical or comedy.
May-December is a romantic comedy that follows the relationship between a 60-year-old politician (played by Meryl Streep) and a 25-year-old blogger (played by Timothée Chalamet). The film explores the challenges and joys of their unconventional romance, as well as the reactions of their families, friends, and the public.
The film is directed by Sofia Coppola, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Noah Baumbach. Coppola said she was inspired by the real-life stories of older women dating younger men, such as Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Trogneux, and wanted to create a film that celebrates love in all its forms.
A Critical and Commercial Success
May-December received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, who praised the film’s witty dialogue, charming performances, and refreshing perspective. The film also performed well at the box office, grossing over $200 million worldwide.
The film was nominated for six Golden Globes, including best director, best screenplay, best actress, and best actor. It won three of them, beating out other contenders such as Babylon, The Banshees of Inisherin, and Everything Everywhere All at Once. The film also received a standing ovation from the audience at the Beverly Hilton, where the ceremony was held.
A Celebration of Diversity and Inclusion
The Golden Globes 2023 also marked a significant change for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the organization that presents the awards. The HFPA faced backlash in 2022 after an investigation revealed that it had no Black members and had engaged in unethical practices. The HFPA then underwent a series of reforms, including adding more than 100 new members from diverse backgrounds, implementing new policies and procedures, and hiring 21 U.S.-based journalists who work for foreign outlets.
The HFPA’s president, Helen Hoehne, said that the organization was committed to “reflecting the rich diversity of our global community” and “honoring the best in film and television, regardless of language, culture, or identity”. She also thanked the industry and the public for their support and patience during the transformation process.
The Golden Globes 2023 also showcased a more diverse and inclusive slate of nominees and winners, such as Abbott Elementary, the ABC comedy series that won best television series – musical or comedy, and TÁR, the Hungarian film that won best motion picture – drama. The ceremony also featured presenters and performers from different backgrounds and genres, such as Jerrod Carmichael, who hosted the show, and Billie Eilish, who sang the theme song for the upcoming James Bond film, No Time to Die.
