We’re far from the 2019 Golden Globes now, and though the ceremonies weren’t quite as as fiery on the whole as last year — the first Globes following the Harvey Weinstein revelations and the rise of the #MeToo movement — there were still plenty of fun, timely and/or occasionally regrettable moments from the ceremonies worth remembering.
From Internet in-jokes to unlikely presenter duos to a rare acceptance speech shoutout to ol’ Beelzebub, here are Billboard‘s picks for the best and worst moments from the 76th Golden Globe Awards.
BEST MOMENT: Andy Samberg and Sandra Oh’s “100 people in a room” Lady Gaga ribbing
Proving it’s never a bad idea to pander to Pop Twitter, Sandra Oh got off the best joke of the Globes’ opening monologue by doing a mock version of Lady Gaga’s now-infamous press-junket chestnut about how “There could be 100 people in a room, and 99 of them don’t believe in you — but all it takes is one…” And then of course, co-host Andy Samberg couldn’t help but echo it one more time for good measure. Shouted Lady Gaga from the audience: “IT’S TRUE!”
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WORST MOMENT: Andy Samberg and Sandra Oh’s celeb nice-burns in the opening monologue
Not a bad thought, necessarily — there isn’t much left to be mined with the Ricky Gervais approach in 2018 — but it went on at least twice as long as it should have. Next time, just end it after “Bradley Cooper: YOU’RE HOT.”
BEST MOMENT: The Americans winning best television series — drama
Only took six seasons! Still puts the Globes ahead of the Emmys, though.
BEST MOMENT: Carol Burnett’s Carol Burnett Award acceptance speech
An emotional speech, but maybe not in the way you’d expect: Burnett mostly showed gratitude for having gotten to do her eponymous variety show at an era when she was actually able to do it. “I realize how incredibly fortunate I was to be there at the right time — because what we did then we couldn’t do today,” she offered. “The networks just wouldn’t spend the money… and today’s audiences would never know what they’re missing. So here’s to reruns and YouTube.” And of course, she ended her speech with an “I’m so glad we had this time together” and an ear tug.
WORST MOMENT: One last “Wakanda Forever” salute
We didn’t need to see it, and the four Black Panther stars definitely didn’t need to do it. Michael B. Jordan didn’t even make it through the entire motion.
BEST MOMENT: Idris Elba & Taylor Swift presenting
Just fun to see the two of them together, really.
WORST MOMENT: Do we have to actually watch The Kominsky Method now?
You might’ve thought there were many good comedy shows this year, but nah, turns out it was mostly just The Kominsky Method. Good to know.
BEST MOMENT: Regina King’s vow of equal representation
Right when it sounded like Regina King was seconds away from getting played off by the Golden Globes orchestra, she forced them to put their instruments down by making a bold and timely promise: “I’m using my platform right now to say that in the next two years, everything that I produce [will be] 50 percent women, and I challenge anyone out there who is in a position of power… I challenge you to challenge yourself and stand with us in solidarity and do the same.” Megan Mullally, presenting the next award: “Regina, we’re available!”
BEST MOMENT: “Thank u, satan”
Christian Bale was-so fuck-ing grate-ful for his dark overlord providing him inspiration for his Golden Globe-winning performance in Vice as former Vice President Dick Cheney, as was Twitter for the semi-viral moment his speech provided:
“Thank you to Satan for giving me inspiration on how to play this role.” – Christian Bale with the official 2019 mood —-#GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/sUM1PMyLZn
— UPROXX (@UPROXX) January 7, 2019
All the greats… pic.twitter.com/oJjXb6uTpe
— The Ultimate Worrier (@maggieserota) January 7, 2019
To us, Satan is a symbol of pride, liberty and individualism, and it serves as an external metaphorical projection of our highest personal potential. As Mr. Bale’s own talent and skill won him the award, this is fitting. Hail Christian! Hail Satan! https://t.co/ILuK8TFZXi
— The Church Of Satan (@ChurchofSatan) January 7, 2019
WORST MOMENT: That forced Cardi B / Nicki Minaj drama joke
Leave it to the Grammys. Or, better yet, just leave it in 2018.
BEST MOMENT: Earl Sweatshirt tweeting about “Jeffy Bridges” after his Cecil B. Demille Award acceptance speech
ay bro wtf jeffy bridges talking bout
— thebe kgositsile SRS 11/30 (@earlxsweat) January 7, 2019
BEST MOMENT: Olivia Coleman thanking “Ma bitches” from The Favorite
If that’s not A Mood, then Rachel Weisz wooping it up in the background of the Emma Stone reaction shot probably was, and Coleman raving “I ate on the set constantly!” about the filming of The Favorite CERTAINLY was.
WORST MOMENT: A Movie Is Snubbed
Nice as it was to see Lady Gaga and Mark Ronson take the podium to accept best original song for the future karaoke standard “Shallow,” we had hoped to see a lot more of Gaga and co-star Bradley Cooper on the evening. But despite the combined five nominations between them, Gaga’s “Shallow” win was the lone triumph for A Star Is Born on the evening. Let’s hope the Oscars make up for the disappointment in February.
The Golden Globe Awards ceremony is produced by Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Valence, the parent company of Billboard.