Honestly, the 2024 awards season felt like a giant question mark for a minute there. Everyone was asking the same thing: when are the Golden Globes 2024 actually happening, and are they even going to be on TV? After all the drama with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association dissolving and the show moving to a brand-new network, it felt a bit touch-and-go.
But it happened.
The 81st Golden Globe Awards officially took over our screens on Sunday, January 7, 2024. If you missed the live chaos, it kicked off at 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT). For the first time in decades, the show moved away from its long-term home at NBC and landed on CBS, while also streaming live on Paramount+. It was a massive gamble for the brand, especially since they were trying to prove they could still throw "Hollywood's Party of the Year" without the baggage of the past few years.
Where the 2024 Golden Globes Went Down
The venue stayed traditional even if the management didn't. The stars headed back to The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. This hotel has hosted the ceremony since 1961, and there’s something about that specific ballroom that just feels like the Globes. It’s smaller than the Oscars' Dolby Theatre, which is why everyone looks a little more relaxed (and usually a little more tipsy).
The Host Situation
Jo Koy stepped up to the plate as the host, and man, was that a polarizing night. He only had about two weeks to prepare after several other big-name comedians reportedly turned down the gig. You could tell he was nervous. Some jokes landed; a lot didn't. He even famously blamed his writers mid-monologue when a joke about Barbie fell flat. It was one of those "watch through your fingers" moments that the Globes are known for.
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Who Actually Won?
The 2024 ceremony was basically the summer of "Barbenheimer" all over again, but with a clear victor. While Barbie led the pack with nine nominations, it was Oppenheimer that absolutely cleaned up. Christopher Nolan finally got his flowers, and Cillian Murphy took home Best Actor in a Drama.
Here is the breakdown of the heavy hitters from that night:
- Best Motion Picture – Drama: Oppenheimer
- Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy: Poor Things (This was a huge upset over Barbie!)
- Best TV Series – Drama: Succession (The final season victory lap)
- Best TV Series – Musical or Comedy: The Bear
One of the coolest moments was Lily Gladstone winning Best Actress in a Drama for Killers of the Flower Moon. She started her speech in the Blackfeet language, and you could hear a pin drop in that room. It was a genuine, historic moment that reminded people why these awards still matter, even with all the behind-the-scenes corporate reshuffling.
The New Categories That Debuted
The 2024 show introduced two new trophies to try and stay relevant. One was for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement. Basically, a way to make sure the movies people actually saw—like Barbie and Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour—could win something. Barbie took that one home, which felt right given it literally painted the world pink for three months.
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They also added Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television. Ricky Gervais won for his special Armageddon, which was ironic since he’s the guy who usually roasts the Globes from the podium. He wasn't there to accept it, though.
Why the Date Mattered More Than Usual
The January 7 date was a strategic play. By being the first major televised ceremony of the year, the Globes reclaimed their spot as the primary "influencer" for the Oscars. Because Oppenheimer and Succession dominated so early, it set the narrative for the rest of the season.
Ratings actually went up, too. About 9.4 million people tuned in, which was a 50% jump from the previous year. People clearly still have an appetite for watching celebrities sit at tables and act surprised when their names are called.
Surprises and Snubs
The biggest shocker was probably Anatomy of a Fall winning Best Screenplay over both Barbie and Oppenheimer. It’s a French courtroom thriller that’s brilliant but definitely wasn't the "safe" bet. Also, Elizabeth Debicki winning for her portrayal of Princess Diana in The Crown was a bit of a surprise, beating out heavyweights like Meryl Streep.
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Moving Forward After the 2024 Show
If you’re looking back at the 2024 Golden Globes, it’s best viewed as the "rebrand" year. They survived the move to CBS, they survived a rocky hosting performance, and they managed to honor some truly incredible art.
Next Steps for Your Awards Season Fix:
- Watch the Winners: If you haven't seen Poor Things or The Bear yet, start there. They were the undisputed darlings of the night.
- Compare the Vibes: Check out clips of the 2024 show on YouTube and compare Jo Koy's monologue to the 2025 host, Nikki Glaser. The difference in energy is wild.
- Track the Trends: Look at how many 2024 Globe winners went on to win Oscars. It’s the best way to see if the "Globes bump" is still a real thing in the industry.
The 2024 ceremony proved that despite the scandals and the network hopping, people still want to see the stars gather in a cramped ballroom in January. It’s messy, it’s unpredictable, and that’s exactly why we watch.