Oprah Winfrey, ‘Three Billboards’ and ‘Big Little Lies’ Triumph at the 2018 Golden Globe Awards

Sandra Miska

The year 2017 will be remembered for many things, but when it comes to the world of entertainment, it will be looked back upon as a watershed year for gender equality, and the 75th Golden Globe Awards, the annual celebration of film and television presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, were surely a reflection of this. In a response to the rampant sexual harassment that was exposed last year, the Time’s Up movement was founded in the days before the ceremony, with over 300 women working in the entertainment industry signing an open letter pledging to stand in solidarity with all their fellow women exposed to harassment in the workplace. To show their support for the movement, the vast majority of the women and men who attended the Golden Globes at the Beverly Hilton donned black attire. In his opening monologue and jokes throughout the evening, host Seth Meyers kept his pot shots at President Trump to a minimum, instead taking aim at the likes of Kevin Spacey and Harvey Weinstein, a.k.a. “the elephant not in the room.”

None other than Oprah Winfrey stole the show when she accepted the prestigious Cecile B. Demille Award in recognition of her illustrious career. There were few dry eyes in the house when she gave her speech, expressing gratitude for the multitude of hardworking women who have taken a stand.

“What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have,” declared Winfrey. “And I’m especially proud and inspired by all of the women who have felt strong enough and empowered enough to speak up and share their personal stories.”

Quite appropriately, “Big Little Lies,” the HBO limited series that boasted a stellar, mostly female ensemble, dominated the evening, winning in four of the six categories in which it was nominated, including Best Miniseries or TV Movie. In her acceptance speech for Best Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie, Nicole Kidman, who portrayed a victim of abuse, called for change.

“This character that I played represents something that is the center of our conversation right now: abuse,” said Kidman. “I do believe, and I hope, we can elicit change through the stories we tell and the way we tell them.”

Similarly, Kidman’s co-star Laura Dern urged others to show their support for survivors in her acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries or TV Movie. Alexander Skarsgard, who snagged Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or TV Movie, praised his female co-stars, particularly his onscreen wife Kidman.

It was a major win for women in all the other television categories, with “The Handmaid’s Tale” taking home “Best Television Series – Drama,” and its star Elisabeth Moss snagging Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama. One of the night’s biggest surprises came when the new Amazon series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” was announced the Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy shortly after lead actress Rachel Brosnahan took Best Actress in a Television Series – Comedy.

Despite the seriousness of many of the speeches, there were plenty of humorous moments, one of them being when James Franco won Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, and brought on stage with with him Tommy Wiseau, the eccentric filmmaker and actor whom he portrayed in “The Disaster Artist.” Wiseau went for the mic and was denied by Franco.

Another memorable moment came when Natalie Portman co-presented the award for Best Director.

“Here are the all-male nominees,” said the actress.

Despite this oversight on the part of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Guillermo del Toro, the very deserving Mexican auteur behind “The Shape of Water” snagged this top honor. In his speech, he made sure to thank all the women who made his victory possible, including lead actress Sally Hawkins.

Greta Gerwig may have been snubbed in the directing category, but her film “Lady Bird” won Best Motion Picture – Comedy. Her immensely talented star Saoirse Ronan beat out the competition, including Emma Stone and Helen Mirren, to take home Best Actress in Motion Picture – Comedy.

“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” won Best Motion Picture Drama, Best Screenplay, as well as two acting awards, one for previously underrated supporting actor Sam Rockwell, as well as one for it’s star, the incomparable Frances McDormand. In her fiery acceptance speech, McDormand more than thanked her fellow nominees, declaring, “All you ladies in this category, bar. Tequila’s on me.”

The 75th Golden Globe Awards took place Jan. 7 at the Beverly Hilton.