The 2018 Golden Globes came as a turning point for the dictatorial American film industry with many a firsts. The powerful patriarchy and exploitation by leading men of Hollywood was, for the very first time in history, mocked upon. Women shone. They were fearless, and loud. A hot topic on the internet, the event was dominated by ladies who called for an end to sexual harassment. It was more than an online trend, or a hashtag, or looking the best. It was a movement. As Oprah said, Time's Up. A powerful group of over 300 women began the movement as a way to show their support to women from all across the country, who face harassment, discrimination, or abuse. Actresses like Eva Longoria, Reese Witherspoon, Natalie Portman, Viola Davis, and others, openly posted about it on the internet, making it go viral by Sunday night.
In a source of pride to India, many shone in the distinguished event, bringing to light their involvement right from the red carpet, to the stage, including the first Indian-American to win a Golden Globe for best actor.
First Indian-American wins a Golden Globe for Best Actor
Beloved stand-up comic and actor, 'Master of None' Aziz Ansari scored a phenomenal win as he took home the Golden Globe for Best Actor In A Television Series Musical or Comedy. Making history as the first male of Indian descent to win a best actor award in a television category, Ansari thanked several people for the win, including his parents who also appear on the Netflix show. “I genuinely didn't think I would win because all the websites said I was going to lose,” Ansari joked during his acceptance speech. He added, “Also, I’m glad we won this one because it would have really sucked to lose two of these in a row. It would have been a really sh***y moment for me, but this is nice.”
His win prompted cheers amidst the Asian-American community in the industry, as artists tweeted congratulations to the actor. 'Harold and Kumar' actor Kal Penn shared a screenshot of a text conversation with his mother where she expresses happiness at Ansari's win. He captioned it, “This text from Mom was great. Congrats @azizansari! #GoldenGlobes”
Nancy Wang Yuen tweeted, “Aziz Ansari won Best Actor in a Comedy! I was in shock and I think he wasn’t expecting it either. Not because he didn’t deserve it (he absolutely did) but, cuz racism. #GoldenGlobes” Kevin Nadal wrote, “Congrats @azizansari! 1st South Asian American to win Best Actor for #GoldenGlobes Comedy! #SouthAsianExcellence #BrownAsians #BrownAsiansExist”
Born to a medical office worker and a gastroenterologist, Ansari's family is from Tamil Nadu. Born in Columbia, he graduated as a business major from NYU in 2004.
Culture over Cause?
Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) President Meher Tatna found herself at the end of crowd and press criticism as she showed up in a bright red gown and matching coat. Given it is the HFPA that bestows the annual Golden Globe Awards, Tatna's representation at the event was of prime importance. While many questioned her for not supporting the unofficial black dress code, the Mumbai-born producer and actor had her own reasons.
Saying it is a “cultural thing”, Tatna said “When you have a celebration, you don't wear black.” She added that she had chosen the dress with her mother who was watching in Mumbai. “So she would be appalled if I were to [have] worn black. And so this is, for my mom.” She however did proudly display her Time’s Up button in support to the movement.
Shining bright like a diamond
As celebrities wore black for the day, they delivered some breathtaking looks. Perhaps the one to be most noticed was 'Fifty Shades of Grey' actress Dakota Johnson, who wore a long black Gucci gown. With 90s era spaghetti straps, a flowing train and a simple silver buckle, the actress was riding high on the sparkle department. The 28 year old who was a presenter at the awards completed her look with earrings and bangles from the Nirav Modi Luminance collection. The Indian-born designer, who is behind the $2.3 billion Firestar Diamond has remained a red carpet favourite.
A statement issued by his office said the “cascade earrings” wore by Johnson have “different diamond shapes meticulously positioned to reflect distinctive plays of light.” The actress wore two bangles of varying widths in white gold- the “Classic Embrace Bangle” and “Grand Embrace Bangle”. “Beautiful when worn alone, it can be stacked with multiple other embrace bangles of different widths and gold colors for a grand look,” Modi said. Born in Belgium, the 47 year old dropped out of Wharton only to move to India and train under his uncle in the diamond industry. The Nirav Modi brand currently has stores in London, New York, Vegas, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing, Macau, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
Priyanka Chopra supports Complete Blackout from NYC
The already trending #MeToo movement found a boost with #WhyWeWearBlack as A-listers literally wore black to the prestigious event to show their solidarity to those who fall prey to power. Indian actress Priyanka Chopra, who has grown to be a household name in America, with her television series 'Quantico', could not make it to the event, but declared her support to the red carpet movement. Just hours before the awards, PeeCee took to Instagram to share a photo of her dressed in black. “Today we wear black. Wherever you are, whoever you are, whatever you're doing... join us #TimesUp #WhyWeWearBlack.”
Goddess Oprah's rousing speech
“Their time is up,” said a determined Oprah Winfrey to raging applause at the 75th Golden Globes, as she became the first black woman to accept the honorable Cecil B. DeMille award. In a speech that effectively moved people across the globe, Winfrey not only inspired women, but also warned men who use their power to silence the fairer sex. “So I want all the girls watching here and now to know that a new day is on the horizon.” And with this, she became the Presidential dream for all in the US of A.
