The Golden Globe Awards, a night of glitz, glamour, and cinematic triumphs, have long been a highlight of the entertainment calendar. These prestigious awards, celebrated annually, honor the best in film and television, setting the stage for memorable moments and groundbreaking achievements in the industry.
But who says you need a red carpet to join in the fun? This year (on Sunday, Jan 7th), bring the excitement of the Golden Globes into your living room! Whether you're a movie buff, a TV series fanatic, or just love a good excuse to throw a themed party, hosting a Golden Globe celebration at home can be a dazzling affair.
From setting up a cozy viewing spot to planning engaging activities, there's a lot you can do to make the night as special as the awards themselves. So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to experience the magic of the Golden Globes from the best seat in the house – your own!
Golden Globes: A Storied Past
The Golden Globe Awards have been a dazzling fixture in Hollywood since 1944, thanks to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. What started as a small ceremony at the 20th Century Fox studios has blossomed into a star-studded event, celebrating the best in film and television, both from the U.S. and worldwide (hence the “globe” in Golden Globe!).
Throughout the years, the Golden Globes have evolved, mirroring the entertainment industry's own transformations. They've introduced new categories to keep pace with emerging trends and have become a barometer for public taste and industry shifts. Each year, the awards honor outstanding achievements and mark significant cultural moments, making them a cherished tradition in the world of entertainment.
Standout Winners Through the Years
The Golden Globe Awards have always been a thrilling showcase of exceptional talent, and over the years, some winners have truly stood out, etching their names in the annals of this prestigious event. Let's take a quick stroll down memory lane to celebrate these remarkable achievers.
- Youngest Winner: At 9, Ricky Schroder grabbed the spotlight and a Golden Globe in 1980 for The Champ.
- Queen of the Globes: With a record-breaking eight wins and 32 nominations, Meryl Streep is a force to be reckoned with. Her journey at the Golden Globes, spanning four decades, is a testament to her enduring talent and versatility.
- Most Wins by a Film: La La Land made history in 2017 by winning all seven categories it was nominated for, setting a record for the most Golden Globes won by a single film.
- Television Trailblazers: Shows like Breaking Bad and The Crown have been recognized for their groundbreaking storytelling, winning multiple awards.
- First Streaming Service Win: Netflix's House of Cards marked a turning point in 2014 as the first series from a streaming service to win a Golden Globe, highlighting the shift towards digital platforms in entertainment.
- A Milestone for Non-English Films: Parasite by Bong Joon-ho, winning the Best Foreign-Language Film in 2020, was a notable moment, celebrating the richness and diversity of global cinema.
Setting Up Your Home for the Golden Globes
Transforming your home into a Golden Globes viewing haven is simpler than you might think. With a few touches, you can create an ambiance that captures the essence of this glamorous event.
- Creating a Cozy Viewing Area: Arrange your seating to ensure everyone has a clear view of the screen, and think about adding extra cushions to enhance everyone’s comfort.
- Enhancing Your Audio-Visual Setup: Make sure you have a large TV so everyone can see (or upgrade to a projector!). And add a sound bar or surround system so no one misses out on who won!
- Embracing the Theme with Decorations: A touch of Hollywood in your decor can transform your space, like a “red carpet area” or a DIY photo booth with props.
- Curating a Gourmet Concession Stand: Create a spread that includes both sweet and savory options like gourmet popcorn, themed cocktails, and bubbly. Get creative with the presentation to make it feel special.
- Setting the Scene with Lighting: Dim the lights to mimic the theater experience, or use soft, warm lighting for a cozy atmosphere. You can also add LED lights or candles for extra glamour.
Engaging Activities for the Celebration
When celebrating the Golden Globes at home, why not add a dash of interactive fun to the mix? It’s better than sitting through all those commercial breaks!
- Golden Globe Trivia: Test your knowledge and that of your guests with a trivia game focused on past Golden Globe moments, winners, and memorable speeches. It's a great way to ramp up the excitement and learn fascinating facts about the awards.
- Ballot Contest: Before the ceremony begins, hand out ballots and have everyone predict the winners in each category. Offer a small prize for the most accurate predictions. It's not just fun but also keeps everyone engaged throughout the event.
- Fashion Commentary: Have a segment where you and your guests discuss the red carpet looks. Rate each outfit, and maybe even crown your own best-dressed winner of the evening.
- Golden Globe Bingo: Create bingo cards with common award show occurrences, like "tearful acceptance speech" or "unexpected winner.”
Golden Globe-Awarded Movies to Watch
As the excitement for the Golden Globe Awards builds, diving into some past winners is a great way to get into the award-season mood. These films, celebrated for their exceptional storytelling and artistic achievements, provide a rich and varied cinematic experience:
- Forrest Gump (1994): A heartwarming journey through key moments in American history, seen through the eyes of the lovable Forrest Gump. Winner of Best Motion Picture - Drama.
- Chicago (2002): This dazzling musical, which brought the genre back to life in Hollywood, won Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy. It's a tale of fame and fortune in the 1920s, filled with razzle-dazzle and thrilling performances.
- The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014): With its unique visual style and quirky story, this film won Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy. It's a whimsical adventure about a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel.
- Gladiator (2000): An epic tale of revenge and honor in ancient Rome, led by a powerful performance from Russell Crowe. This historical drama won Best Motion Picture - Drama.
- The Shape of Water (2017): A visually stunning and emotionally rich film that won Best Motion Picture - Drama. It's a fairytale-like story of love and courage set against a backdrop of Cold War-era America.
- Bohemian Rhapsody (2018): A foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music, and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury. This biopic won Best Motion Picture - Drama.
- La La Land (2016): A modern-day musical about dreams, love, and the high price of success. Winner of Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, it's a vibrant and heartfelt tribute to classic Hollywood musicals.
But before you dive into these fantastic films, make sure your home theater setup is at “golden” status! So, if your TV isn’t big enough or your sound equipment isn’t doing enough, don’t worry; Pieratt's has the brand names you need to bring the red carpet to life! And if you have any questions, give us a ring or drop by — our experts are happy to get you going on your way to those Hollywood stardom feels!