Golden Globe Awards 2014
Since 1961, the Golden Globe Awards have become an American tradition. Each year, ninety three members from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association or HFPA recognize individuals who have exhibited excellence in television and film, both in the foreign and domestic realms. This is a formal ceremony which culminates with dinner and an awards presentation, making it a major aspect of Hollywood’s film industry. The Academy Awards and Grammys follow soon afterwards.
The awards are broadcasted via telecast to over 166 countries around the world. It grabs the number 3 spot for most watched awards every year, after the Grammys and the Oscars. The theme song for the Globe awards was written by Japanese musician Yoshiki Hayashi. Under film, there are fifteen awards, and under television there are eleven award categories. Some of these categories are Best Motion Picture in the Drama and Comedy/Musical categories, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Musical Score, and Best Foreign Language Film.
The Golden Globe Awards generate millions of dollars in revenue each year. The funds raised are donated to various entertainment-related charities and scholarships. The Young Artist Foundation has been a prominent beneficiary of the Globes since 1978. Each year, the foundation holds the Young Artist Awards which recognizes excellence in young performers under age 21 in Hollywood. It also provides scholarships for artists who may be financially or physically challenged.
History
It all began in 1943, when some writers got together and formed a group called the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Through this venture, they distributed the Golden Globe Award, which today plays a major role in marketing films. The first awards were held in 1944, and honored achievements in film making for 1943. Before making the Beverly Hills Hotel the official place to hold the awards, they were originally held at 20th Century Fox studios. In 1950, the HFPA decided to establish an honorary award to recognize stellar contributions made by an individual to the industry. Cecil B. DeMille was the first figure to receive the award, and as a result the official name of the award took on his name.
In the year 1963, the concept of Miss Golden Globe was introduced. In its first year of inception, two Miss Golden Globes were chosen, one in film and the other in television.
In 2009, the Globe statuette underwent a facelift. The HFPA collaborated with Society Awards, a New York firm, to produce a masterpiece made from unique marble that would enhance the gold content and quality. It was then unveiled at the press conference, prior to the awards ceremony.
This Year
This year, the 71st Globe Awards were held on January 12th, at Beverly Hilton hotel, located in Beverly Hills, California. The event was hosted by Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, who were co-hosts in previous years.
Under the “Best Motion Picture Drama” category, 12 Years A Slave, was the winner. Cate Blanchett took home the “Best Actress” and Matthew McConaughey won the “Best Actor” award, both in Drama. American Hustle won in the “Best Motion Picture Comedy” category. Here, Amy Adams and Leonardo DiCaprio took home the “Best Actress and Best Actor” in a Comedy. Alfanso Cuaron won for Best Director in a Motion Picture with his movie Gravity.
In television, Breaking Bad won for “Best Television Drama”.
Some Interesting Facts About The Golden Globe Awards
Actress Meryl Streep has won the most Golden Globe wins in the acting categories, with 8 awards in total. Meryl Streep also holds the record with the most nominations, with a total of 28 altogether. Jack Lemmon follows in second place with 22 nominations. Barbra Streisand has won 9 awards, when honorary awards such as the World Film Favourite Actress Award are taken into consideration. Next, Jack Nicholson, Alan Alda, and Angela Lansbury have won six awards each. Following them, actresses Shirley MacLaine, Sophia Loren, Jessica Lange, and Rosalind Russell have five wins each.
Some films have won the most Golden Globe Awards. The films Doctor Zhivago, Love Story, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and A Star Is Born, have won five awards each. Of these films, Doctor Zhivago, A Star Is Born, and One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest have won in every nomination category.
The Golden Globe Awards are important American tradition. Each year, millions of viewers make it a special event to gather by their television sets to watch their favorite actors and actresses receive their awards. It is as exciting for the participants as it is for the fans!