Golden Globe Awards 2023: ‘Abbott Elementary,’ ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ win big; host Jerrod Carmichael gets controversial

The Golden Globes are back.

After a one-year hiatus from the traditional, televised ceremony, the 80th Golden Globe Awards, which honors the best in film and television, aired live on Tuesday from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, and was hosted by comedian Jerrod Carmichael.

Here are the highlights:

The Banshees of Inisherin, Abbott Elementary win big
It was a big night for the film The Banshees of Inisherin and the comedy series Abbott Elementary, with each of them snagging three wins.

The Banshees of Inisherin took home the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Screenplay – Motion Picture, and Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy went to Colin Farrell for his role. 

The ABC comedy series Abbott Elementary nabbed Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy, in addition to Tyler James Williams‘ win for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical-Comedy or Drama Television Series, and Quinta Brunson‘s win for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy.

It was also a big night of firsts with Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan winning their first Golden Globes for their part in Everything Everywhere All at Once, among other first-time winners.

Jerrod Carmichael addresses controversy
Opening up the show, Carmichael wasted no time addressing the elephant in the room — that is, the Golden Globes being “canceled” last year after it was embroiled in controversy over its voting practices and the lack of diversity among the members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

“I’ll tell you why I’m here… because I’m Black,” he began his nearly 10-minute long monologue, before concluding, “I’m here truly because all of you… Regardless of whatever the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s past, this is an evening where we get to celebrate.”

Carmichael didn’t shy away from any controversial topics during his time either, taking a moment to poke fun at Tom Cruise returning his three Golden Globe awards in protest of the HFPA last year, saying, “Maybe we take these three things and exchange them for the safe return of Shelly Miscavige.” 

Cruise is a member of the church of Scientology which is led by David Miscavige, whose wife Shelly has allegedly not been seen in public in years.

Will Smith also became a brief topic of discussion when the comedian joked that during the commercial break, Smith was given a Golden Globe award for “best portrayal of masculinity on television.”

Angela Bassett makes history as first Marvel star to win an award
Angela Bassett made history when she won the Golden Globe for best supporting actress in a film for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, making her the first entertainer to win an award in the acting category for their role in a Marvel film. 

“I stand here grateful to the Hollywood Foreign Press [Assoc.] for giving me this honor along with Wakanda Forever,” Bassett said in her acceptance speech, before giving a shoutout to her late costar. “We embarked on this journey together with love. We mourned, we loved, we healed. And we will be surrounding each and every day by the light in the spirit of Chadwick Boseman.”

“And to the Marvel fans, thank you for embracing these characters and showing us so much love,” she concluded. “We just made history with this nomination and with this award. It belongs to all of you, all of us.”

Eddie Murphy and Ryan Murphy honored 
Glee, American Horror Story, and Pose creator Ryan Murphy was awarded the Carol Burnett Award for “outstanding contributions to television on or off the screen.” He took the time during his acceptance speech to shoutout some of the stars who have appeared in his shows including MJ Rodriguez, Billy Porter, Niecy Nash, Matt Bomer, and Jeremy Pope.

“My mission was to take the invisible, the unloved, and make them the heroes I long to see but never did in pop culture,” Murphy, 57, said. 

Later in the evening, Eddie Murphy was the recipient of the Cecil B. DeMille Award, which is given for “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.”

The 61-year-old comedian, who said he’s been in show business for 46 years, doled out some thank-you’s before wrapping up with some advice to “all the new up-and-coming dreamers and artists.” 

“I want to let you know that there is a definitive blueprint that you can follow to achieve success, prosperity, longevity, and peace of mind,” he shared. “It’s very simple… you just do these three things: pay your taxes, mind your business and keep Will Smith’s wife’s name [out of your mouth]!”

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