Paul Giamatti was visibly emotional and humbled when he accepted the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his performance in The Holdovers on Sunday night. During his heartfelt acceptance speech, Giamatti made a point to dedicate his win to teachers everywhere.
Giamatti Praises Teachers in Emotional Acceptance Speech
Taking to the stage to accept the award, a choked-up Giamatti first thanked the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and his fellow nominees before launching into a moving tribute to teachers:
“I want to dedicate this award to teachers everywhere who nurture creativity and passion and don’t get enough credit. Everything I’ve achieved in my career is thanks to the wonderful teachers who inspired and encouraged me.”
Giamatti specifically named a few of his most influential former drama teachers from Yale University, where he earned his Master’s degree. The veteran actor credited them for pushing him out of his comfort zone and teaching him the foundations of his craft.
He closed his short but impactful speech on an optimistic note, expressing his hope that teachers start getting more recognition for the vital role they play in shaping lives and society:
“I hope we can start giving more appreciation to the incredibly hard, undervalued work teachers do. They deserve all the credit in the world.”
Giamatti looked genuinely taken aback when his name was announced by presenters Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet. Sources backstage said he seemed “humbled and grateful” to win among such stiff competition from comedy heavyweights like Bill Murray and Daniel Craig.
Paul Giamatti’s Golden Globes Wins By Year
| Year | Category | Film/Show |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries, or TV Movie | John Adams |
| 2024 | Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy | The Holdovers |
What Led to Giamatti’s Win?
The Holdovers has been generating serious Oscar buzz since it screened to rave reviews at the Toronto International Film Festival last September. Giamatti stars as Geoffrey Ballister, a grumpy boarding school teacher who gets stuck overseeing a group of misfit students during Christmas break.
Critics unanimously praised Giamatti’s nuanced performance, with many declaring it a career-best and something of a comeback. Though he’s been consistently working for decades, Giamatti hasn’t had a role with this much depth and range since his Emmy-winning turn as John Adams in the 2008 HBO miniseries.
“Giamatti elicits real empathy while never letting us forget the thorns of this prickly soul,” wrote Sasha Stone in her glowing review for Awards Daily.
Audiences seem to agree. Despite facing off against blockbusters like Babylon and The Fabelmans this awards season, the modestly-budgeted indie has slowly been gaining steam at the box office thanks to incredible word of mouth and Giamatti’s much-lauded performance.
The Holdovers Scores Upset Best Picture – Musical/Comedy Win
In a delightful surprise, The Holdovers also took home the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. The film beat out frontrunners like Babylon, The Banshees of Inisherin, and Everything Everywhere All at Once for the top prize.
Director Jay Duplass delivered an endearing speech, saying he made the movie primarily because he wanted to work with Giamatti again. The pair first collaborated on the 2014 family drama The Skeleton Twins.
“I’d been waiting ten years for the chance to collaborate with my dear friend Paul again,” said an emotional Duplass. “I wrote this role specifically for him. Every beautiful note he hits in the movie makes me so damn proud.”
Giamatti was visibly thrilled when The Holdovers was announced as the Best Picture winner, blowing kisses to his director and pumping his fist. Sources said Paul Rudd, nominated for Best Actor in a Drama for Live Fast, made a point to seek out Giamatti backstage to congratulate him.
The veteran character actor seemed genuinely overwhelmed by the effusive praise coming his way from peers and critics alike.
What’s Next for Giamatti After the Globes?
While the Golden Globes are always a fun stop on the awards circuit, the real test will be how Giamatti and The Holdovers fare at the upcoming SAG Awards and Academy Awards. But this surprise double win at the Globes puts both the film and Giamatti’s performance firmly on the radar of Oscar voters.
In the meantime, Giamatti is fielding tons of scripts hoping to capitalize on his hot streak. While the in-demand actor hasn’t committed to anything yet, rumor has it he’s circling a supporting role in the upcoming Princess Diana biopic starring Emma Corrin.
Awards prognosticators also see this Globe victory as a possible path back to more leading man roles for Giamatti after years of standout supporting turns. But regardless of what comes next for the newly-crowned Golden Globe winner, his emotional tribute to the power of teaching will surely go down as one of the ceremony’s most memorable moments.
Giamatti Opts for In-N-Out to Celebrate Win
Never one for glitzy after parties, the famously low-key Giamatti opted to celebrate his Globes victory with a burger and fries from In-N-Out.
The beloved fast food chain has something of a cult following in Hollywood. Celebs like Giamatti appreciate that they can enjoy their meals in peace at In-N-Out’s no-frills establishments around Los Angeles.
Photos surfaced on social media showing a casually-dressed Giamatti waiting in line at the In-N-Out on Sunset Boulevard post-ceremony. He seemed perfectly content to chat with fans and pose for selfies while waiting for his food.
“My man Paul Giamatti keeping it real as always,” tweeted comedian Patton Oswalt along with a photo.
Paul’s rep confirmed it was a well-deserved treat after an exciting night. Between his heartwarming speech and endearing post-show celebration, Giamatti’s Golden Globes experience was a joy to witness.
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