Golden Globes 2022: A redemption story?

In a world of cancel culture and scrutiny over decisions, the Golden Globes is facing a media crisis.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) has been secretive for years, but after last year’s snubs of prominent Black performances following other issues, they got dropped like a hot pancake.

NBC dropped the awards show from its 2022 schedule. Actors returned their awards. Studios disassociated. It was (and is) a firestorm.

And what has the HFPA done? They’ve promised change, updated bylaws and added 21 new members (the pool was less than 100 last year, with zero Black members).

Nominations were announced today (co-hosted by Snoop Dogg for some reason), and it’s tough to decide if they’ve improved and offered a more diverse group of nominees. Let’s take a look.

Movies

Best Picture

In 2021, the dramas were mostly white casts. The comedy nominees had a mix of stories and casts.

In 2022, I count one Black-focused story and one multiracial story amoug both categories.

Ruling: Slide backward

Best Director

In 2021, we saw a record-breaking three women nominated, two of whom are non-white.

In 2022, all nominees are white, but there are still two women nominees.

Ruling: Slide backward

Best Actress

There were two Black women among all the comedy and drama nominees last year.

This year, there is one Latin American nominee among both comedy and drama.

Ruling: Slide backward

Best Actor

In 2021, there were various groups represented in the nominees. We had Lin Manuel-Miranda, a first-generation American; Riz Ahmed, a British-Pakistani man; and other non-white nominees.

In 2022, half of the nominees are non-white.

Ruling: Neutral

Best Supporting Actor and Actress

We saw more diversity in the best supporting actress category this year, but the supporting actor nominees are all white this year.

Side note: Who has heard of “The Tender Bar,” the movie Ben Affleck got a nomination for?

Ruling: Neutral

Television

Best series

On the drama side, we saw some more casts with Black leads this year, plus a cast of Asians in “Squid Game.”

In comedy, there isn’t much diversity either year, but “Reservation Dogs” getting a nomination gives a place for indigenous people.

Side note: I’m curious about “Lupin,” a French thriller that’s on Netflix. I had never heard of it until today, but it has two seasons.

Ruling: Neutral

Best actress

For both drama and comedy, the nominees went from all white in 2021 to including two Black women in 2022.

One interesting tidbit is Tracee Ellis Ross is nominated this year for the first time since her win in 2017. “Black-ish” is ending in 2022 after eight seasons.

Ruling: Step forward

Best actor

Similar to actress, the drama category went from all-white to having two non-white actors, both of whom speak their own language in their shows.

The comedy category has included one Black actor both years, but last year also saw Ramy Yousef among the nominees, though his show “Ramy” hasn’t come out with its next season yet.

Anthony Anderson of “black-ish” is nominated for the first time since 2018 for his work on the ABC comedy.

Ruling: Step forward

Supporting actor and actress

For the actor nominees, we’ve seen a non-white nominee both years.

For the actress nominees, there have been zero nominees of color in the last two years.

Ruling: Neutral

Notable snubs who are non-white include Selena Gomez for “Only Murders in the Building” and Aretha Franklin for “Respect.” But every year it’s a tough pool, and you can make arguments for/against every nominee.

Overall, it’s hard to say for sure if the HFPA has truly taken a turn for the better. You can’t compare two years of movies with the same eye, especially these last two years with the pandemic. To me, it’s not clear based on this information.

Most of the press has suggested the HFPA take a year off, but they are moving forward. We have no idea how the awards will be handed out, but they will be presented Jan. 9, not on NBC.

2019 Golden Globes: Let’s enjoy the fun moments

It’s about time we made an awards show fun again.

Andy Samberg and Sandra Oh hosted the Golden Globes on Sunday, and it was an enjoyable, well-paced night.

Here are my top 3 reasons why the night made me smile.

Family thanks

How sweet was it to see all the thanks to families? And not just the typical thanks, but genuine moments.

Sandra Oh’s dad giving her a standing ovation when she won for “Killing Eve.” How cute was he? He clearly adores his daughter.

Darren Criss thanked his mom while reminding the audience how America is made up of immigrants…after he fan-boyed a bit.

And Mahershala Ali thanked all the women in his life. He knows who helped him grow up.

Those priceless reactions

Two of these belong to Rachel Brosnahan. When she won for “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” for the second year in a row, the music started and she sweetly started trying to wrap it up while pointing out the music was playing.

Then, when she was leaving the stage, she almost went the wrong way, so when she was directing to exit the correct side, she awkwardly hopped off the stage.

The last funny reaction belongs to Gina Rodriguez of “Jane the Virgin.” When Dick Van Dyke came out on stageto help introduce a clip for “Mary Poppins Returns,” everyone gave a standing ovation, but the kid-like glow in Rodriguez’s eyes was priceless. Clearly she looks up to him.

Bringing a youthful exuberance

Jeff Bridges won the Cecil B. DeMille award this year, and he used his time to semi-tearfully thank his family, colleagues and friends.

But he ended by bringing about a point, as many do in speeches.

As he encouraged people to get out and do something in the world, he said “tag, you’re it” to the audience, pushing them to take that next step.

It made the moment not heavy-headed, but joyful.

What were your favorite moments of the Golden Globes?

Golden Globes 2017: A night of jokes and fashion

The 2017 Golden Globes included Questlove, music, cut-off speeches and fashion.

“La La Land” went 7 for 7, meaning it won the most Golden Globes in one night. Other winners were announced, but I was disappointed that TV didn’t get equal recognition to movies (many TV awards were given out two at once).

Golden Globes 2016: How will ‘Empire,’ ‘Transparent,’ Jon Hamm, Viola Davis and others fare?

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Jan. 8, 2016. The 2017 Golden Globes air Sunday, Jan. 8, on NBC.

Just because Tina Fey and Amy Poehler aren’t hosting the 2016 Golden Globes doesn’t mean the show won’t be unpredictable.

With older heavyweights such as “Modern Family” and “Breaking Bad” out of the picture, many new entries have hit the awards stage.

So who will win? We’ll find out Sunday. But for now, here are my picks for frontrunners and underdogs in the TV categories this year.

DRAMA

Frontrunner: “Empire”

The Fox drama was snubbed by the Emmys, but it’s one of most-watched shows of last winter.

It’s different because of the music, so it has a good shot of taking the win.

Underdog: “Narcos”

Have you heard of this Netflix show? I hadn’t until I saw the nominations. The other dramas are more known, so I doubt “Narcos” can pull an upset.

BEST ACTRESS, DRAMA

Frontrunner: Viola Davis, “How to Get Away with Murder”

She won the Emmy and had a magnificent speech about equality to follow.

Her character isn’t a class act, but Davis is on stage. Her star power is key to this ABC drama.

Underdog: Caitriona Balfe, “Outlander”

Balfe is a first-time nominee, but this Starz show has only a niche audience.

While some love this drama, it won’t have enough votes to win any big categories.

BEST ACTOR, DRAMA

Frontrunner: Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”

I’m sure many people will root for Rami Malek from USA’s “Mr. Robot,” but since AMC’s “Mad Men” finished its run this year and Hamm already won the Emmy, I predict another win during his swan song for this role.

Underdog: Liev Schreiber, “Ray Donovan”

Schreiber has been nominated before for this role, but he seems like a perennial nominee, not a winner.

BEST ACTRESS, COMEDY

Frontrunner: Jamie Lee Curtis, “Scream Queens”

I have to admit, this category is tough to decide. But Curtis is the big star on this list, and “Scream Queens” is her return to the horror genre.

Sometimes Emmys go to bigger celebrity names, so Curtis could pull out the win.

Underdog: Rachel Bloom, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”

Like I said, this category is tough to choose, but Bloom doesn’t have enough meat to her name yet.

Her CW show is hit or miss with critics, even though it spent some time in development.

Her nomination brings attention to the show, but don’t expect her to get a chance to sing a speech on stage.

BEST ACTOR, COMEDY

Frontrunner: Jeffrey Tambor, “Transparent”

Tambor won last year for bringing a transitioning character to life on the small screen. The second season recently premiered, and critics still like the show.

Because the Amazon comedy brings to light a current topic, expect it, and Tambor, to get attention.

Underdog: Rob Lowe, “The Grinder”

I’m not a fan. But others love the silliness of this Fox show about family, law and finding your way.

But out of all the nominees, Lowe’s work isn’t strong enough to carry a win.

BEST COMEDY

Frontrunner: “Transparent”

Again, it brings to light a current topic. It won last year. Expect a repeat.

Underdog: “Casual”

Hulu is making a showing for its original programming this year. But being a newcomer in a category that includes “Transparent” and “Veep” makes it an unlikely contender.

Ricky Gervais hosts the Golden Globes at 8 p.m. Jan. 10 on NBC.

Golden Globes 2015: Some surprises in TV nominations

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Jan. 6, 2015. The 2017 Golden Globes air Sunday, Jan. 8, on NBC.

If you’ve heard any buzz about a TV show, there’s a good chance it was nominated for a Golden Globe.

The Golden Globe nominations were announced Dec. 11, and most of the obvious choices were present.

The Emmy winners weren’t much of a shock, and with this list of nominees, it’s doubtful the Golden Globes, hosted for a third time by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, will be much different.

That said, there are some surprises, such as:

CW IS ON THE LIST … BECAUSE OF ‘JANE THE VIRGIN’

Blah, blah, blah, Gina Rodriguez is a star. I’m so sick of hearing that — it’s such a broken record.

Yes, she’s talented. But I still don’t get why the show is so beloved. The premise for “Jane the Virgin” is absurd, reading more like a soap opera/crime procedural than the next “Ugly Betty.”

“The Flash” is a much better show and its effects are worth an award.

Also of note is the fact that it’s the first time the CW has been in the nominations.

‘THE BIG BANG THEORY,’ ‘MODERN FAMILY’ OUT

Nominated year after year, these two sitcoms are out of the running, as a show and for the actors.

“Modern Family” won a record-tying fifth Emmy in 2014. All of the adult leads have been nominated for an Emmy, and Eric Stonestreet and Sofia Vergara have Golden Globe nominations. Jim Parsons won a Golden Globe for playing Sheldon Cooper on “The Big Bang Theory” in 2011 and has won four Emmys for the role.

I’m not saying they have to be nominated, or that they deserve to be, but it’s a surprise not to see them on the list.

TATIANA MASLANY CAN’T CATCH A BREAK

I don’t know what it will take for Tatiana Maslany to get any award nominations, but she plays how many characters on “Orphan Black”?

With all those personalities, she should be honored.

The Golden Globes air Sunday, Jan. 11, on NBC. My early predictions? Look for “Transparent,” “The Affair” and “Fargo” to be big winners.

New Year 2016: My 3 TV wishes for 2016

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Dec. 27, 2015.

It’s almost 2016, and there’s still myriad TV shows to watch.

Last year I made a list of TV wishes, and some of them came true. So here’s hoping some of these wishes will come true!

NO MORE SPINOFFS

“Chicago Med.” “Chicago P.D.” “Chicago Fire.”

“Real Housewives of Atlanta.” “New Jersey.” “Potomac.”

“The Bachelor.” “Bachelor Pad.” “Bachelor in Paradise.”

Seriously? I’m over it.

Just because one show is good doesn’t mean a spinoff will be. Sure, it makes sense because, in theory, there’s a built-in audience. But it also saturates the channels with shows some people don’t want to bother watching.

Where’s the variety? I want it back!

DON’T TAKE SHOWS OFFLINE TILL AFTER MIDSEASON BREAK

I’m a TV blogger. I love TV. But do I have time to keep up with every show? No. I’m sorry, but there aren’t enough hours in the day. Plus, you know, there are other parts of life.

That’s not to say I don’t want to eventually watch episodes of current seasons. But I messed up this year.

I didn’t make time to watch “Scorpion” or “The Flash” when their second seasons premiered. By the time I could, the premiere episodes weren’t online for free anymore. These are not shows that you can start in the middle of the season.

So I’m out of luck. And I don’t even mind watching ads!

Especially in today’s binge-watching culture, current shows should keep their full slate of episodes in the current season until after the midseason break. That way, viewers who fell behind can catch up.

LET EVERYONE SEE AWARD-NOMINATED EPISODES BEFORE THE AWARD SHOWS

Even I have been that person who hasn’t seen what has been considered a popular, acclaimed show. (I’ve never seen a single episode of AMC’s “Mad Men.”)

Many shows contend for the Emmys and the Golden Globes. And while some years a few shows dominate the nominations, there are still many shows and respective episodes in the races.

Unless you have all access to all networks and shows, you can’t see the shows after nominations. So, why can’t viewers have the chance to do so?

These award show sites should allow viewing of nominated episodes (shows and actors submit episodes for consideration) so people who watch the shows have a better idea of the competition.

What do you think will make TV better in 2016?

Golden Globes 2017: TV nominations by the numbers

Here’s some sparkle for your winter blues.

The 2017 Golden Globes nominees were announced Monday, Dec. 12, so some show runners, actors and more get to celebrate.

To paint a picture, here are some by the numbers:

56: Number of TV nominations (There are 6 in the best TV actress comedy/musical category.)

15: Number of actors and actresses with at least one previous Golden Globe win (Billy Bob Thorton, Keri Russell, Winona Ryder, Gael Garcia Bernal, Jeffrey Tambor, Rachel Bloom, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sarah Jessica Parker, Gina Rodriguez, Bryan Cranston, Felicity Huffman, Hugh Laurie, John Lithgow, Christian Slater, John Travolta)

14: Shows with only one nomination this year (“Better Call Saul,” “Ray Donovan,” “Goliath,” “Outlander,” “Graves,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “Divorce,” “Insecure,” “Jane the Virgin,” “All the Way,” “The Girlfriend Experience,” “London Spy,” “Confirmation,” and “The Dresser“)

11: Number of shows with nominations this year and in previous years in any category (“American Crime [the previous installment had 3 nominations],” “Jane the Virgin,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “Veep,” “Mozart in the Jungle,” “Outlander,” “Ray Donovan,” “Better Call Saul,” “Mr. Robot,” “Transparent,” and “Game of Thrones“)

5: Highest number of nominations for one show (“The People v. O.J. Simpson,” which has nominations for actor, actress, supporting actor (2 nominations), and limited series/TV movie)

3: Number of shows with two nominations in the same category: “This is Us” has two supporting actress nominations for Mandy Moore and Chrissy Metz; “The Night Of” has two actor nominations for John Turturro and Riz Ahmed; and “The People v. O.J. Simpson” has two supporting actor nominations in Sterling K. Brown and John Travolta.

2: Number of nominations for the CW, both in the best actress comedy/musical category. (Gina Rodriguez for “Jane the Virgin” and Rachel Bloom for “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”)

2: Number of shows who received multiple nominations without receiving nomination top award in its category (“The Americans” and “Mr. Robot” each received 2 acting formations, but neither are up for best TV drama.)

The Golden Globes air Jan. 8 on NBC.

2015 Emmys: Surprises, more from Emmy nominations

In preparation for Sunday’s 2016 Emmys, here is a blog about the 2015 Emmys, originally published on elkharttruth.com on July 16, 2015.

Is it September yet?

Cat Deeley (“So You Think You Can Dance”) and Uzo Aduba (“Orange is the New Black”) announced the 2015 Emmy nominations Thursday, July 16, and as usual, it’ll be an interesting race.

While numerous expected nominations filled out the list, there were some surprises, as there are every year.

SURPRISES

It’s not a miniseries anymore, it’s a limited series. Not sure why the name change happened, but my best guess is it has to do with the plethora of shows that run for only a few episodes.

Jeff Daniels received a nomination for “The Newsroom.” It’s not that the HBO show isn’t good, but it was short-lived, and other actors such as Terrence Howard of “Empire” or James Spader of NBC’s “The Blacklist” could’ve been in Daniels’ spot.

Tatiana Maslany finally got an Emmy nomination. “Orphan Black” has been on the air for three seasons, and considering she plays multiple characters, it’s about time she got nominated.

SNUBS

“Empire” was practically shut out. Taraji P. Henson was nominated, but considering the show’s popularity and crazy amount of guest stars, it’s strange not see the drama more represented.

Also surprised “black-ish” didn’t receive more nominations. I didn’t enjoy the ABC show but many others did. I thought Tracee Ellis Ross would’ve gotten an actress nomination.

“Jane the Virgin” is out. An Emmy nod would have been huge for the CW, and many adore Gina Rodriguez. She did win the Golden Globe but failed to receive an Emmy nomination.

EARLY PREDICTIONS

“Mad Men” will finally win an acting Emmy. It’s the show’s swan song, and it’s not like the AMC drama isn’t deserving.

“Modern Family” will finally fall. The ABC show has won a record-tying five consecutive Emmys, but it’s far time for another show to win.

David Letterman will be recognized in some capacity. His show is nominated, and again, it’s a swan song, which seems to go over well with voters, but maybe he’ll even get a tribute during the show.

Andy Samberg (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”) will host the 67th Emmy Awards at 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, on Fox.