While this year’s best films and cinematic nominees couldn’t have been more different, they all had one thing in common: turning the red carpet into a sea of black in a show of solidarity.
Following one of the biggest scandals to rock Hollywood, gender inequality and hundreds of allegations of sexual harassment came to light in 2017. To make the point about long simmering gripes, A-list actresses shed their snazzy red dresses and vibrant neon gowns to paint it black. The selections weren’t always somber. They still showed off plenty of slits, embellishments, flowing chiffon and sleek satin along with their Harry Winston jewels. Many a fashionista said this red carpet was proof that black is not boring. Natalie Portman turned heads in black velvet while tennis champ and longtime equal rights rep Billie Jean King kept it simple in a classic tux style suit. King’s famous story was unfolded in last year’s “Battle of the Sexes,” recounting her famous tennis showdown against Bobby Riggs.
When it came to the room, Malibu was well represented with Barbra Streisand, Halle Barry, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks and Shirley MacLaine. Seth Myers’ big job was to hit the right note between the message and the celebration. He did the right thing in keeping it short and sweet. And on with the show.
One of the highlights of the evening was an appearance by Oprah Winfrey, who was lauded with the Cecil B. DeMille Award.
Oprah delivered her message with both sympathy and strength. Presented with her globe by Reese Witherspoon, Winfrey showed off her people skills with aplomb.
“I want all the girls to know a new day is on the horizon,” she said. “It will be because of the many magnificent women and some pretty phenomenal men here in this room. There will be a time when no one has to say ‘me too.’”
Oprah had the place on its feet with a standing ovation. They applauded Oprah’s message and even raised ideas of Oprah running for president.
All-in-black clad Eva Longoria agreed, saying,
“ … it’s a power issue and so saying time’s up to ending the abuse of power but also recognizing the women who came forward.”
Many thought the event was a good balance, considering the delicate nature of the subject.
Beginning in 2017, there has been controversy swirling around Hollywood and a backlash against abuse and equality issues, which came in swift and strong.
Some of the biggest names in media were shown the door, including $20 million dollar Today Show host Matt Lauer, legendary talk show host Charlie Rose, Fox mega star Bill O’Reilly and many, many more.
Meantime, the Globe Awards is always seen as an arrow for the Academy Awards to follow.
Usually, it’s an easy guess, but with such diversity in 2017, the big winners are hard to predict.
Favorites for Best Picture and Best Actress zero in on Frances McDormand and “Three Bill Boards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.” It couldn’t be more different than Guillermo del Toro’s “The Shape of Water,” which won best director. Gary Oldman snagged best actor for his uncanny portrayal as Winston Churchill in “Darkest Hour.” Supporting actress went to the real life ice skating drama “I, Tonya” with Allison Janney and supporting actor went to James Franco in “Disaster Artist.”
So if you use the Golden Globes as a reference, there is no “Titanic”-style run away.
Between light-hearted comedy, irony, history, fantasy and drama, the winners come Oscar time are anyone’s guess.