Comedian Jo Koy made history as the first Asian American host of the Golden Globes at the 81st annual awards show on January 10, 2024. After past controversy and a year off air, the Globes returned with major reforms and a focus on diversity.
Koy Reflects on Historic Hosting Gig
In interviews leading up to the show, Koy discussed the personal significance of being the Globes’ first Asian American host. He also asked Chris Rock for advice after landing the hosting job on short notice.
In his opening monologue, Koy touched on the Globes’ ongoing diversity issues while bringing his trademark humor:
“I’ll tell you why I’m here. I’m here because I’m Asian. The end. There’s no other reason. I’m not gonna say I’m here because I’m talented or anything like that. I’m here because they needed an Asian face, and among Asians I apparently am the whitest-looking one. That’s not true by the way…I’m very proud to be here.”
Big Night for “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
The big winner of the night was A24’s indie sci-fi hit Everything Everywhere All at Once, which took home awards for Best Picture – Musical/Comedy and Best Supporting Actor and Actress for Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis.
As predicted, Quan’s emotional acceptance speech was a highlight when he won the first Golden Globe for an Asian actor in 39 years.
Michelle Yeoh also nabbed Best Actress for her acclaimed performance, marking the first lead actress Globe win for an Asian performer.
| 2024 Golden Globe Winners |
|---|
| Best Picture – Musical/Comedy: Everything Everywhere All at Once |
| Best Actress – Musical/Comedy: Michelle Yeoh, Everything Everywhere All at Once |
| Best Supporting Actor: Ke Huy Quan, Everything Everywhere All at Once |
| Best Supporting Actress: Jamie Lee Curtis, Everything Everywhere All at Once |
Mixed Reactions to Globes’ Comeback
The 2024 Globes marked a turning point after NBC dropped the telecast in 2022 due to backlash over diversity issues and ethical concerns within the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA).
While this year’s ceremony featured more diverse nominees after an HFPA membership overhaul, reactions were mixed on whether meaningful reform had been achieved.
“Real change came when NBC pulled the plug…Let’s hope the 2024 show doesn’t try to pretend that it has cured all of Hollywood’s diversity problems in the past year,” wrote Kyle Buchanan, awards columnist at the New York Times.
However, Jo Koy struck an optimistic tone, saying he wanted to “be part of the solution” and help the Globes embark on a “new era.” Based on the historic diverse wins this year, meaningful progress does seem underway.
What’s Next for Jo Koy and the Globes?
For trailblazing host Jo Koy, doors seem open following his breakout awards show gig. Koy brought a unique comedic voice that drew widespread praise. And after the buzz of Everything Everywhere All at Once’s big wins, anticipation is high for A25’s upcoming film Poor Things starring Emma Stone and Willem Dafoe.
As for the future of the Golden Globes, the HFPA will likely continue working to restore credibility after past scandals while building on this year’s diverse lineup and airing on NBC again in 2025.
With ratings and reactions not yet clear for the 2024 show, Globes fans hope that nominations remain merit-based as reform efforts slowly help transform the awards. But thanks to groundbreaking host Jo Koy and winners like Everything Everywhere All at Once, meaningful change does seem on the rise.
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