As it happened: Australia’s Sarah Snook, Margot Robbie and Elizabeth Debicki win big at Golden Globes

The Golden Globes is all about the awards, right? Technically, yes. But not where social media is concerned.

The Globes always tends to generate buzz online, whether it’s about looks on the red carpet or an incredibly cringe-worthy speech. This year proved no exception, and we predominantly have Jo Koy to thank.

Granted, hosting such a large award show is not an easy feat. But the comedian set an extremely dull standard as soon as he began his stiff opening monologue. Almost immediately, X (formerly Twitter) users began filming audience reactions to some of the least gag-worthy jokes, including a cringing Harrison Ford and a stony-faced Taylor Swift. Jerrod Carmichael must be feeling even more proud of himself now.

Speaking of Swift, she was actually at the ceremony this year! But really, that shouldn’t be surprising – she’s everywhere right now. It was her first appearance at the Globes since 2020, when she attended alongside her then-boyfriend Joe Alwyn (she was also nominated for her work on a song in Cats, but we try not to remember that musical). She stunned in a green sequinned dress that appeared almost snake-like, which had the internet wondering whether her choice was a subtle wink at her 2016 social media feud with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West (now Ye). Or perhaps it was teasing Reputation (Taylor’s Version)?

And then there was the PDA between Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet, whose relationship has had social media in a frenzy for what feels like years now.

They shared a few kisses and even got some users questioning whether Jenner had barred Selena Gomez from taking a photo with Chalamet. Take from this tea what you wish.

Finally, the guests were bound to bring up the elephant in the room: the writers’ and actors’ strike of 2023. While some presenters merely expressed their relief over the negotiations being over, others took the opportunity to roast studio executives. For example, Daniel Kaluuya pretended to read lines from a studio executive’s script while presenting one of the awards, calling the best screenplay award the “best movie writing for the movies”. Touché, Daniel.

And with that, we’ll wrap up our coverage. Thank you for joining us for this year’s Golden Globes. You can find the full list of winners here, and check out the best of the red carpet fashion here. Awards season has officially kicked off, so we’ll see you again soon!

Now that the curtain has been drawn on the 81st Golden Globes, it’s time to count the winnings.

If we’re being honest, this was Oppenheimer’s night. Yes, there were other impressive and well-deserved wins, but no other production can boast of five separate victories.

The three-hour historical drama won a Globe for best director (Christopher Nolan), best actor in a drama (Cillian Murphy), best supporting actor (Robert Downey Jr.), best original score (Ludwig Göransson), and of course, best drama. That’s a lot of awards – almost two for each hour of the marathon film. It’s extra impressive given the film was nominated for a total of eight trophies, meaning it missed out on only three.

Plenty more where they came from! Christopher Nolan, left, and Emma Thomas with their Golden Globes.Credit: Invision

Everyone expected Barbie to be up there with it, because of its nine nominations (the most of all films honoured at the Globes this year) and the cultural phenomenon it set off worldwide. But, alas, Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things seemed to swoop in and steal the spoils, claiming best actress in a comedy or musical for Emma Stone (RIP Margot Robbie) and the coveted best musical or comedy motion picture.

On the other hand, Succession performed about as well as everyone expected it to, scooping four awards, including one for our very own Sarah Snook. Beef and The Bear also excelled, as fan favourites Ali Wong, Steven Yeun, Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri claimed wins.

Alas, it was not to be Bradley Cooper’s night.Credit: Invision

But with every award show, there are the victors claiming their reward on stage and the runners-up (calling them “losers” seems rather harsh), who are left seated at the table, perhaps licking their wounds. Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon had only a single win (for the much-deserving Lily Gladstone) and Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut, Maestro, left with nothing.

It may not be the nicest feeling in the world, but you know what they say: it’s an honour just being nominated.

Continue bracing yourself because it’s another big one, folks! The award for best motion picture drama – the film that will drive into the sunset alongside Poor Things – went to Oppenheimer.

Not only was this arguably the most coveted award of the ceremony, but it was also Oppenheimer’s fifth win, making it the most decorated production of the night. It’s an impressive feat for an equally impressive masterpiece.

Cillian Murphy portrays Oppenheimer.Credit: Universal Pictures

Accepting the award on behalf of the entire cast and crew, producer Emma Thomas said making the film was one of the most incredible experiences of her life.

“Everybody did their best on this film and I think that Chris sort of brings the best out of people by being the very best himself,” she said of her husband, who also happens to be the director of the movie.

Up against Oppenheimer were other worthy contenders, including Bradley Cooper’s Maestro, Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon (which surprisingly only won one award tonight), Celine Song’s Past Lives, Justine Triet’s Anatomy of a Fall and Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest.

What a way to end the night: with a deserving bang.

Newcomer Lily Gladstone has won her first Golden Globe for her formidable performance as Osage woman Mollie Burkhard in Killers of the Flower Moon. Despite being a hot favourite, the historical adaptation is, rather shockingly, the film’s first win for the night.

Gladstone holds her own opposite Leonardo DiCaprio. She plays the wife of a man involved in the systemic killings of multiple Osage on the American frontier in the early 1900s.

Lily Gladstone in custom Valentino.Credit: Getty Images

The actress started her speech in Osage. “I just spoke a bit of Blackfeet language, a beautiful community nation that raised me, that encouraged me to keep going keep doing this,” she said.

“I’m so grateful that I can speak even a little bit of my language which I’m not fluent in up here,” she continued. “Because in this business, native actors used to speak their lines in English and then the sound mixers would run them backwards to accomplish native languages on camera.”

In a history-making victory, Gladstone is the first Indigenous person to be awarded a Golden Globe for best actress, which she acknowledged in her speech. “This is a historic win. It doesn’t belong to just me. I’m holding it right now. I’m holding it with all my beautiful sisters in the film.”

OK everyone, buckle up because this is a big one. It’s the best comedy or musical and, as always, the competition is hot... But evidently not hot pink.

Our very own Margot Robbie was once again snubbed by Emma Stone and Poor Things, which was officially crowned the best picture (musical or comedy) of the night.

It was another shock loss for the Barbie crew considering the cultural phenomenon it set off, but it was not the only “loser”. Poor Things also beat out Ben Affleck’s Air, The Holdovers, May December and American Fiction.

Evidently, critics warmed to unorthodox scientists and fantastical monsters more than Ken and the beach.

We’re getting into the big leagues now people. American actor Paul Giamatti beat out nominees that include Timothee Chalamet, for Wonka (who else was looking forward to Kylie Jenner’s reaction if he won), and birthday boy Nicolas Cage for his role in A24’s Dream Scenario.

Paul Giamatti as Paul Hunham in The Holdovers.Credit: Courtesy of FOCUS FEATURES

This is Giamatti’s third Golden Globe, which he’s been awarded for his leading role in Christmas comedy The Holdovers as an unlikeable classics teacher marooned with his students at a prep school in the 1970s.

Presenting the award was Will Ferrell and Kristen Wiig, who reprised their comedic partnership after teaming up to award the best actress in a comedy or musical award at the 2013 Golden Globes.

Did we travel back in time to 2011? Gabriel Macht and Patrick Adams took to the stage to present the best television drama award, and honestly, everyone was blown away by the mini Suits reunion we didn’t know we needed until now.

Suits co-stars Sarah Rafferty and Gina Torres joined Macht and Adams on stage to present the award.

Succession creator and showrunner Jesse Armstrong.Credit: Screenshot

This enjoyable stunt is not all that surprising given the massive popularity Suits reclaimed when it landed on Netflix and American streaming service Peacock earlier this year. Ah, it feels good to be back in the courtroom.

OK, but back to business. The award went to (pause for effect): Succession. That’s two awards in a row, quickly following Sarah Snook’s well-deserved win. It’s a banner ceremony for the drama hit.

Accepting the award on behalf of the cast, Jesse Armstrong said ending the show was an extremely bittersweet moment, particularly given this could be the last time he will stand on the Globes stage to accept an award for the show.

“Particularly for me because I finally bought a pair of shoes that are appropriate for these kinds of award shows and this might be the last time I ever get to wear them,” he laughed. “It’s bittersweet, but things like this [award] make it sweeter.”

The show beat other hits such as The Crown, The Last of Us, The Morning Show, 1923 and The Diplomat. It just goes to show – you shouldn’t mess with the Roys.

I hope you’re not a vegetarian because Beef is raking in Globe after Globe. It has taken its third award of the night, this time for best limited series, anthology series or motion picture made for television.

The Netflix production had both critics and fans on the edge of their seats for its seemingly insane twists and turns. What made it even better is that it was actually based on a real-life road rage incident between the show’s creator, Lee Sung Jin, and a stranger.

Beef actors Steven Yeun and Ali Wong with their Golden Globes.Credit: Invision

“I’d be remiss not to thank that driver,” Sung Jin laughed. “Sir, I hope you can yell and inspire others for years to come.”

The series beat out a list of hot contenders, including Lessons in Chemistry, Daisy Jones & the Six, All the Light We Cannot See, Fellow Travelers and Fargo.

It proves that flipping another driver the bird could end in one of two ways: in total chaos, or in an award-winning television series. Still a bit of a gamble, I’d say.

She’s done it! Our very own Sarah Snook, has taken out her second Golden Globe for her portrayal of Shiv Roy in the Rupert Murdoch-inspired family drama Succession (and special mention to her excellent strawberry blonde bob in the latest season).

Sarah Snook arrives at the 81st Golden Globe Awards.Credit: AP

The actress joins fellow winners Elizabeth Debicki and Margot Robbie in a night that is shaping up well for Australian women in Hollywood.

“This show, it’s changed my life,” Snook said in her acceptance speech, before giving credit to the rest of the cast and crew. “This was a team effort, it was always that was what made the show amazing.”

Snook was adorably modest in her speech, laughing, “this room is so intimidating!” before spinning off stage.

Despite missing out on the best actress in a motion picture – comedy or musical, Margot Robbie is still heading home with a win after Barbie takes out the newly-created award for cinematic and box office achievement.

Robbie, who was a co-producer of the 2023 smash hit, took to the stage with writer and director Greta Gerwig and co-stars America Ferrera and Ryan Gosling. She was also joined by its other producers David Heyman, Tom Ackerley (also her husband) and Robbie Brenner.

Margot Robbie.Credit: Getty

Barbie, the highest-grossing box office film of 2023, beat out Taylor Swift’s concert documentary of her hugely successful world tour.

“We want to dedicate this to every single person on the planet who dressed up and went to the greatest place on Earth: the movie theatres,” Robbie said in her speech.

Robbie also acknowledged the fact the film’s box office success defied early concerns about its marketability. “I want to thank the brave individuals at Warner and Mattel for taking an extraordinary risk and literally inventing numbers to justify greenlighting it and standing by it every step of the way.

“Thank you for creating an award that celebrates movie fans... we made it for you and we made it with love, thank you for loving it back.”