The Golden Globes is known for starting the awards season with surprises and revelryand it certainly lived up to at least the first half of that with the 76th annual show that took place Jan. 6 on NBC.
Cases in point: The Freddie Mercury/Queen-based film Bohemian Rhapsody won for best dramatic film and Glenn Close won for best actress ( drama ) in a movie for her titular role in The Wifeand both wins were at the expense of expected winner A Star Is Born ( and that film's lead actress, Lady Gaga ).
In fact, "Star" only had one victory: for best original song ( "Shallow" ). Bradley Cooper lost in the best actor and director categories as well, as Rami Malek ( Bohemian Rhapsody ) and Alfonso Cuaron ( Roma ) prevailed in those contests, respectively.
However, LGBTs definitely made their presence known. In addition to "Rhapsody," which had two wins, American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace had two victories in the area of televisionfor best television limited series and best performance by an actor In a limited series ( Darren Criss, who had made news a few days prior by saying that, as a straight actor, he would never take another gay role ).
In addition, Green Book won three awards: for Best Supporting Actor (in a motion picture, musical or comedy) for Mahershala Ali, Best Motion Picture Musical/Comedy and Best Screenplay. Ali portrays jazz great Don Shirleywho, in the film, is depicted being caught in a same-sex encounter.
Openly queer actor Ben Whishaw won for supporting actor in a TV series/limited series for Amazon's A Very English Scandalwhich centers on a real-life gay situation. Event co-host Sandra Oh also won for Best Performance by an Actress In A Television SeriesDrama in role in which she spars with a queer female assassin, besting competitors such as Elisabeth Moss ( The Handmaid's Tale ) and Julia Roberts ( Homecoming ). And Olivia Colman won for best actress ( film, musical or comedy ) for portraying Queen Anne in the lesbian-centric The Favourite.
Some of the nominees who are LGBT or had roles in LGBT projects included Billy Porter ( Pose ), Debra Messing ( Will & Grace ), Lucas Hedges ( Boy Erased ), Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz ( The Favourite ), Hugh Grant ( A Very English Scandal ) and Richard E. Grant ( Can You Ever Forgive Me? ).
In addition, queer musician Janelle Monae introduced If Beale Street Could Talk while out actress/producer Lena Waithe presented an award with Halle Berry.
Carol Burnett received a new Golden Globe award named for her, while Jeff Bridges was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award for his cinematic achievements.
Oh and Andy Samberg hosted the ceremony.