It’s no question that the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic has made popular events like award shows terribly confusing and awkward. The Golden Globes are no exception as they are widely known for having a reputation for chaos. This year’s socially distanced awards ceremony, hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, proved to be even more chaotic than usual. From spotty audio, to uncomfortably forced small talk amongst the Zoom nominees, the whole affair felt… awkward.

The audience was made up of first responders, all seated six feet apart, wearing surgical masks of course, as a way to thank them for their services in handling the pandemic. A-list stars video chatted in to accept their awards in order to adhere to CDC guidelines. Actors Laura Dern and Margot Robbie were just a few of those who appeared in-person to present the awards. The winners are chosen by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), a group of 87 journalists from across the globe. While the HFPA and its choices have been mocked in the past, the association came under renewed scrutiny after the Time highlighted that out of their 87 members, there are no Black members. This only adds to the racial disparities in Hollywood that have plagued the film industry for decades. Celeb attendees were not shy in calling out the association for their lack of representation and used their acceptance speeches to call them out. Even host Amy Poehler commented saying, “Everybody is understandably upset at the HFPA and their choices,” she continued saying, “A lot of flashy garbage got nominated, but that happens. That’s, like, their thing. But a number of black actors and black-led projects were overlooked.” Poehler wasn’t the only person to address the issue, and even some HFPA representatives stated that they were working to diversify their committee.

As for the awards themselves, Sacha Baron Cohen accepted the award for Best Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy for “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” (a film that is outright bizarre in itself). In his acceptance speech, he jokingly thanked Rudy Giuliani, who appears in the film, and the “all-white Hollywood Foreign Press.” It’s good to know that in a world of superficial media we can count on Cohen to keep it real! On a more somber note, Chadwick Boseman’s wife, Taylor Simone Ledward, accepted his award for Best Actor in a tear-jerking and emotional speech. Chadwick Boseman, well known for his role as Black Panther, passed away last year at age 43 after battling colon cancer. The star was rightfully honored with Best Actor for his performance in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”

The Grammy’s are typically a big night for fashion and you would think that after nearly a year in lockdown celebrities would use this opportunity to wear something showstopping. Alas, actor Jeff Daniels, adorned in his nicest flannel, set up the camera in what looked to be a spare bedroom with at least four visible doors behind him. Likewise, Jason Sudeikis seemed caught off guard when he won Best Actor in a TV comedy for Ted Lasso. As he accepted this distinguished award, he wore a tie dye hoodie. Thankfully, Anya Taylor-Joy, best known from “The Queen’s Gambit,” served in a dazzling emerald green gown with a matching floor sweeping cape, and shoes. The dress was stunning and complemented the actress’s fair skin and platinum blonde hair. A round of applause for Miss Taylor-Joy, who dressed appropriately for the occasion. 

The award show, while very entertaining, was definitely awkward at times. Even so, one thing that remained cohesive throughout the show was chaos, perfectly befitting the theme of this past year.