The 80th Golden Globes Awards ceremony held at The Beverly Hilton Tuesday night was nothing shy of Hollywood's elite, and considering last year’s controversial boycott due to lack of representation, it is about time that we saw more people of color strutting down the red carpet.
Since the inception of this star-studded award ceremony, African Americans haven’t always been invited or received the accolades that their white counterparts have bestowed. Nor have they always had a seat at the table.
However this year, the Golden Globes felt more diverse and inclusive, and it was evident by all the minority celebrities we saw in the spotlight. Some could argue that since the Golden Globes was a part of the canceled culture last year, it was the catalyst we all needed to see change this year.
According to research collected by McKinsey & Company," for black professionals trying to build and sustain a career in film and TV, the industry has been, by many of their accounts, a relatively unwelcoming workspace." In the past, the Golden Globes may have felt unceremonious to people of color, but after last year's racial debacle, this year felt like a rite of passage.
Perhaps some of you thought “Wakanda Forever” was the theme of the night as celebrities like Rihanna in her all-black custom Schiaparelli couture gown, and actress Nicey Nash in her muted violet Dolce & Gabbana gown channeled Queen Ramonda’s wardrobe with over-the-top ruffled stoles that undoubtedly gave us Black girl magic.
Billy Porter, and his FX Pose Co-Star, Michaela Jaé “MJ” Rodriguez, both looked fierce and embodied power. Porter slayed in a reimagined version of his 2019 Oscars Christian Siriano tuxedo gown. It felt nostalgic this year as Billy chose to go with the same designer and a similar tuxedo gown that felt more rich in color and texture. Rodriguez on the other hand, served us Balmain realness in her satin blue dress that draped into a bow.
Hollywood icons Viola Davis and Sheryl Lee Ralph turned to bold hues for their red carpet looks. From Davis in a Cobalt blue Jason Wu gown to Ralph's bright purple embellished Aliétte dress, it felt refreshing to see women of such legacy owning their confidence.
We also saw the new generation of black women making an impactful debut. Critically acclaimed star Quinta Brunson who serves as the Executive Producer, and Star of the ABC series, ‘Abbott Elementary,’ looked incredible as she posed with her co-star Sheryl Ralph. She showed up to the event in a long sheer tulle Christian Siriano dress and Giusseppe Zanotti heels. Brunson has come along away from her humble beginnings in West Philadelphia to someone who Talk host Oprah Winfrey applauds.
In fact, Brunson recently had a sit down interview with Winfrey where she touched on representation. “ I see my generation taking the next steps. We now are able to tell more nuanced stories and I think ‘Abbott’ is a part of that,” said Brunson.
This is exactly what representation is all about. It's about celebrating people of all shades, ages, and genders. It's about Sheryl Lee Ralph's infamous Emmy speech that she recited from Dianne Reeves 1993, "Endangered Species."
"I am an endangered species, But I sing no victim's song, I am a woman, I am an artist, And I know where my voice belongs, " Ralph eloquently recited. Her speech is a stark reminder of what it means to be a woman of color and an artist in spaces that weren't always intended or created for us.
Black women such as Rih and Bruson weren’t the only trailblazers to represent at the Golden Globes. Actor Jeremey Pope and Director Coleman Domingo represented ambitious and stylish Black men everywhere. Pope’s leather-on-leather look gave us leather galore with an edgy twist. While Domingo looked quite dapper in his all-black Dolce & Gabbana suit with rhinestone embellishment.
It was groundbreaking and inviting to see more representation and inclusivity on the red carpet at this year’s Golden Globe awards ceremony as it's essential to have spaces that not only reflect diversity, but also celebrates Black excellence in all of its glory.
