"The Fabelmans," a film inspired by Steven Spielberg's teenage years, and "The Banshees of Inisherin," a dark comedy, won the top film prizes at the Golden Globes on Tuesday, as Hollywood returned to a program that had been canceled by scandal.
"The Fabelmans" won the award for outstanding film drama at the Beverly Hills celebration attended by numerous celebrities. The story of feuding friends on an Irish island, "Banshees of Inisherin," won the best musical or comedy film award.
The awards are anticipated to boost both films on their path to the March Academy Awards.
Spielberg, who also won the award for outstanding director, based "The Fabelmans" on his experiences as a kid dealing with his parents' marital problems and anti-Semitism. He stated that he had kept this secret since he was 17.
"When I turned 74 years old, I decided you better do it now," he stated. "I'm thrilled I did."
Due to ethical violations at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the organization that grants out the awards, celebrities and NBC have abandoned the 2022 Golden Globes.
After a 2021 Los Angeles Times investigation revealed that the organization had no Black journalists on staff, the Globes' future became uncertain. Some members were accused of making sexist and racial statements and requesting celebrity and film industry favors.
A larger, more diverse membership and other modifications by the HFPA convinced many top movie and television stars to support this year's celebration, which gives publicity for winners and contenders and frequently helps their prospects at the Academy Awards.
Except for a caustic monologue from comedian and host Jerrod Carmichael, who opened the program by joking, "I'm here because I'm black." the show mainly unfolded as it had in previous years.
"One day, you prepare mint tea at your home. The following day, you're invited to be the face of a troubled white business," he remarked at the ceremony broadcast live on Comcast Corp's (CMCSA.O) NBC network and Peacock streaming service.
The list of winners covered a broad spectrum of diversity.
"Abbott Elementary," a television sitcom about teachers at a majority Black public school, was chosen as the finest comedy on television. Its star and creator, Quinta Brunson, and supporting actor, Tyler James Williams, got acting prizes.
Michelle Yeoh, a Malaysian actress recognized for her major part in the dimension-hopping action film "Everything Everywhere All at Once," remembered that early in her career, she was referred to as a "minority" and questioned if she could speak English.
Forty years later, she added, "it's been an amazing journey and incredible fight to be here today, but I think it's been worth it,"
Ryan Murphy won a lifetime achievement award for bringing numerous homosexual and transgender tales to television.
Austin Butler won the award for best actor for his central role in "Elvis." The 31-year-old was overwhelmed by collecting the prize in front of the entertainment industry's elite.
Butler stated, "I'm in this room with all my heroes," "I'm shocked to be here.
In "The Banshees of Inisherin." Colin Farrell won the award for best actor in a movie musical or comedy for his portrayal of a farmer attempting to mend a broken friendship. He thanked the cast members, including "Jenny, the donkey."
The two highest-grossing films of 2022, "Avatar: The Way of Water" and "Top Gun: Maverick," were excluded.
Roughly 200 worldwide film industry journalists and others voted for this year's Globes. According to the HFPA, over 52 percent of these voters are racially and culturally diverse, including 10 percent Black.
Baz Luhrmann, director of "Elvis," told Reuters on the silver carpet that the HFPA had made significant reforms and "really walked the walk."
"And we need them," Luhrmann continued, especially after the COVID-19 outbreak caused theater closures and a drop in moviegoing. "Our coming together sends a message that it is acceptable to watch movies together. That is a positive thing."
Other television winners included "House of the Dragon," which won the Oscar for best drama. The White Lotus got the award for best-limited series.
Eddie Murphy got a lifetime achievement award and revealed his success philosophy.
"Pay your taxes, mind your business and keep Will Smith's wife's name out of your fucking mouth," Murphy remarked, referring to the actor's controversial slap of presenter Chris Rock at this year's Oscars.
