2018 Golden Globes: What has everyone talking, what's buzzing

By Mark Gray 8:35pm PST, Jan 7, 2018

It's fair to say that the buzz around the 2018 Golden Globes is unlike anything Hollywood has ever seen. How political will it get? How will the stars address the sexual misconduct scandals? How will host Seth Meyers keep control of a show that could very easily go off the rails? We all know black is the color of the night, with both men and women donning the color. It shouldn't all be serious though (it is the Globes, after all!). Here's your guide to what had everyone buzzing at the 75th Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on Jan. 7… starting with James Franco's speech. The actor brought the house down after winning the Golden Globe for best performance by an actor in a musical or comedy for his performance in "The Disaster Artist." When he took the stage, he dragged his younger brother (and co-star), Dave Franco, on stage too (yes, he literally dragged him). Who else joined the brothers? Tommy Wiseau, the director and star of "The Room," which James' film is about. Tommy tried to steal the microphone, but James wouldn't let long-haired, sunglasses-clad Tommy (whom he played in the film) speak, making the crowd laugh. In wrapping his speech, he thanked Dave. "When I was younger, I wanted my own Cohen brother, someone to collaborate with. I realized I had my own Franco brother." He then thanked his mom for birthing Dave. Not your typical speech, but that's what we expect at the Globes!

Woman of the hour

There's no doubt about it, the woman of the evening was Oprah Winfrey (several stars even got distracted during their speeches upon seeing the TV queen). The beloved star was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award, which is given for "outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment." While being introduced, Reese Witherspoon said, "There is only one person whose name is a verb, adjective, and a feeling. And that's Oprah." Reese even joked that Oprah's hugs "could end wars." The talk show host/actress received a standing ovation and several in the room could be seen tearing up while Oprah stood there, award in hand. The Big O spoke about the historical importance of winning the award, remembering as a little girl seeing Sidney Poitier winning an Oscar in 1964. "It is not lost on me that at this moment there are some little girls watching as I become the first black woman to be given the same award," she said. Oprah went on to praise the press, who, as she says, is "under siege these days." Of course, she had to touch on the sexual misconduct scandal and the #MeToo movement. "For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dare speak the truth to the power of those men. But their time is up," he said, as she got a rousing ovation. "I want all the girls watching here now to know that a new day is on the horizon and when that new day finally dawns it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are in this room, and some pretty phenomenal men." The audience, still on its feet, cheered as she said everyone needed to do their part to make sure that "no one has to say 'Me too' again."

Hard act to follow

You knew it was only a matter of time until the elephant in the room was addressed. During the opening monologue, Seth Meyers went for it right away and hit just the right note with some early quips. "Good evening ladies and remaining gentlemen," he began, continuing to much applause, "Happy New Year, Hollywood! It's 2018. Marijuana is finally allowed and sexual harassment finally isn't. It's going to be a good year!" He also made reference to bringing actresses to a hotel, which was one the many places disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein allegedly lured women. Harvey, he said, will return in 20 years as the "first person ever booed during the In Memoriam." The crowd booed. "It will sound like that," he added, making his point. Seth took shots at Kevin Spacey, too, saying he was awful at faking a Southern accent. Seth even took a bit from his late night show in which he sets up a joke but hasn't someone else finish the joke. Billy Eichner, Jessica Chastain, Issa Rae, Amy Poehler and others finished jokes for the Globes host. Toward the end, he even mentioned the Time's Up initiative before getting serious as he concluded, "People in this room worked really hard to get here but it's clearer now than ever before that the women had to work even harder. So thank you for all of the amazing work that you've all done and you continue to do. I look forward to you leading us into whatever comes next." Setting the show's tone is a tough job, but judging from the reaction in the room, Seth nailed it with humor and grace.

Back together

Reunited and it feels so good! In 1991, Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon starred in the hit movie "Thelma & Louise." On Sunday, they were together again, presenting the award for best actor in a motion picture drama (Gary Oldman won for playing Winston Churchill in "Darkest Hour," by the way). "I thought we fixed everything," Geena said, referring to female empowerment, which is essentially the theme of their iconic film. "I don't think we fixed everything," Susan said. The two cracked some jokes, most of which fell flat, but the crowd got a chuckle when they were introduced by host Seth Meyers. "Your next presenters have done what we've all wanted to do for the past year," he said. "Drive our car off a cliff."

Sailor mouth or overly censored?

After winning the award for best actress in a motion picture drama for her work in "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" — her first Golden Globe — Frances McDormand delivered a speech that was censored so badly by NBC that it was hard to know what she said in many spots, unless you were in the room. Was she cursing? Was the network nervous that she'd say something outlandish? She opened saying, "Well, I have a few things to say. I'm gonna keep it short, because we've been here a long time and we need some tequila. All you ladies in this category, bar, tequila's on me." The speech was then bleep city (many viewers probably wondered if their TV was cutting out). Many Twitter users said the network jumped the gun unnecessarily, claiming it bleeped out her saying "Fox Searchlight." She was also bleeped when she said "shift" as she talked about there being "a tectonic shift in this industry's power structure." But according to Variety, when she said an actual curse word, "sh–e," she was not censored! One thing most folks did hear clearly, however, was when she addressed the Time's Up movement. "Some of you may know, I keep my politics private, but it was really great to be in this room tonight," she said. "Trust me, the women in this room tonight are not here for the food. We are here for the work."

Her, Tonya

Yes, that was disgraced former figure skater Tonya Harding on the Golden Globes red carpet — and sitting with "I, Tonya" stars Margot Robbie and Allison Janney at their table inside the ballroom at the Beverly Hilton hotel. Tonya even got a moment on camera when Allison — who played her mother in the film — won a Globe for best supporting actress and gave the retired athlete a shoutout.

Reunited and it feels so good

Roseanne and Dan are together again! Okay, in real life, they're Roseanne Barr and John Goodman, and they were married on screen from 1988 to 1997 when they starred on the beloved sitcom "Roseanne." The show is coming back in March, and the on-screen couple gave us a taste of their chemistry these days at the Golden Globes when they presented the prize for best TV drama. "I'm kinda known for creating some great drama," she said. John replied, "Yeah, not the kind you get awards for…"

Awkward thanks

Ewan McGregor made headlines in 2017 when it was revealed he was dating actress and "Fargo" co-star Mary Elizabeth Winstead after splitting from his wife of more than two decades, Eve Mavrakis. He raised eyebrows when he thanked them both after he won the Globe for best performance by an actor in a limited series or motion picture made for television for his work on "Fargo." "I want take a moment to just say thank you to Ev who always stood by me for 22 years, and my four children, Clara, Esther, Jamyan and Anouk — I love you." He then went on to praise his co-stars — and the final one he mentioned was his new love, Mary. Two birds, one stone.

A legend sparks controversy

More than a century old and still keeping on! Kirk Douglas, who turned 101 last month, appeared on stage with his daughter-in-law, Catherine Zeta-Jones. He received a standing ovation. The living legend sat in a wheelchair to present the award for best motion picture screenplay. "Catherine," he said, "I won't make a speech because I can never follow you." But many viewers on Twitter were appalled. "Honoring Kirk Douglas, who is thought to have raped Natalie Wood, is kind of odd on a night like tonight…just me?" wrote one user whose sentiment was echoed repeatedly on social media, including by another user who claimed, "Kirk Douglas is a well known sexist, who brags about groping women in his memoir. He brags about sexual assault and he raped 14 year old Natalie Wood."

Dad and daughter

Dwayne Johnson isn't the only star in his family anymore. His daughter, Simone Garcia Johnson, is the Golden Globe Ambassador for 2018. ("Miss Golden Globe" is now a thing of the past.) Dad and daughter appeared on stage together during the telecast, where he fawned over his 16 year old and her accomplishments. "I'm so incredibly proud of you," he told her. Simone thanked her parents (her mom is The Rock's ex-wife and current manager, Dany Garcia) and detailed her duties as the ambassador, including working with charities. "I love that and I love you," The Rock concluded said, "and charitable causes are great, which is why I let Kevin Hart be in all of my movies."

Ouch!

SHADE! Natalie Portman went rogue at the Golden Globes while presenting the award for best director. After taking the stage with Ron Howard, she quickly pointed out that no females were nominated for the prize. "Here are the all male nominees," she said as Ron was about to begin reciting the names. Guillermo del Toro won the award for directing "The Shape of Water," but it was awkward. He did, however, thank "a few fantastic women" while the music was playing him off the stage.

Face to face

Jennifer Aniston was there. Angelina Jolie was there. That, ladies and gentlemen, is not something that happens every day. Over the years, the media has long portrayed the actresses as enemies and love rivals because of what happened with Brad Pitt (you remember the story: Brad fell in love with Angie while shooting "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" and in 2005 divorced Jen). Angie — who of course split from Brad in 2016 — attended the 2018 Globes with her son, Pax Jolie-Pitt, by her side. Jen, meanwhile, presented and did a cute bit with Carol Burnett. Both ladies have long said there is no rivalry, and there probably isn't, but the fact that they're in the same room at the same time is a rarity. (It's only the third time in nearly 13 years that the two women have been at the same event.) Brad, it's probably best that you avert your eyes.

Full of love

All the feels! While accepting her award for best actress in a limited series or TV movie for her performance on HBO's "Big Little Lies," Nicole Kidman paid tribute to her husband, Keith Urban. After her name was called, she planted a big smooch on the country singer. During her speech she touched on the women's rights movement, but her best moment was meant for her man. "Keith Urban, when my cheek is up against yours, I melt, and that's love," she said.

No kiss this time

There was no kiss this time, but Alexander Skarsgard and Nicole Kidman's connection was a topic of conversation at the Golden Globes… thanks to Alexander himself. While accepting his Globe for best supporting actor in a limited series or TV movie, the Swedish actor thanked his female co-stars on "Big Little Lies." He said he wanted to specifically mention Nicole. "I love you," he said. "Thank you for making this the greatest experience of my career." Remember when these two smooched at the Emmys last year in front of her husband Keith Urban? Keith probably prefers the Globes to the Emmys.

Red carpet debut

It's official: Diane Kruger and Norman Reedus are a couple (as if you didn't know already). The duo made their red carpet debut at the Golden Globes. Both wore black, as expected, and Norman donned a Time's Up pin. The fact that they're together isn't a secret anymore, as they were spotted kissing in March 2017. Actually, they were reportedly spotted kissing at a dive bar in late 2015 in New York City before she announced her split with Joshua Jackson, which is why their coming-out is headline-worthy now. Welcome to the public life, you crazy kids.

Very special dates

Several of Hollywood's biggest names had a important partner with them at the Globes. Michelle Williams, Meryl Streep, Laura Dern, Amy Poehler, Susan Sarandon, Emma Stone, Emma Watson and Shailene Woodley all brought women's rights activists to the red carpet with them. "We're here because Tarana started a movement," Michelle told Ryan Seacrest on E!'s red carpet pre-show while standing with Tarana Burke, the #MeToo founder. "She planted a seed years ago and it's grown on and caught fire." Tarana told Ryan, "It's deeply humbling. This moment is so powerful." Michelle gracefully dodged Ryan's compliments about her work in "All The Money in the World," which earned her a nomination for best actress in a drama, in order to steer the conversation back to Tarana and her work. Interestingly, she also brought her daughter, Matilda Ledger, into the conversation (something she rarely does). "Really, the most exciting thing is I thought that I would have to raise my daughter to learn how to protect herself in a dangerous world," she said, "and I think because of the work that Tarana has done and the work that I'm learning how to do, we actually have the opportunity to hand our children a different world. I am moved beyond measure to be standing next to this women."

Calling out E!

Things got especially interesting — and a bit awkward — during a few of E!'s red carpet pre-show interviews. In December, E! News host Catt Sadler left the network after discovering that her male counterpart, Jason Kennedy, was making nearly double her salary — and had been for years. Well, several stars brought it up — with E!'s Ryan Seacrest and Giuliana Rancic during the network's Golden Globes pre-show! Debra Messing was the first celebrity to go there, telling Giuliana, "I was so shocked to hear that E! doesn't believe in paying their female co-hosts the same as their male co-hosts. I miss Catt Sadler. So we stand with her. And that's something that can change tomorrow, you know. We want people to start having this conversation that women are just as valuable as men." Laura Dern and Sarah Jessica Parker also dared to bring up E!'s reported gender pay gap issue while speaking to Ryan, and Eva Longoria didn't hold back either. "We support gender equity and equal pay and we hope that E! follows that lead with Catt as well," she said live on-air. "We stand with you, Catt!" Ryan's response? "We love Catt, we love her."

Fashion statement

Say what you will about Hollywood, but it was unified at the Globes. The hottest accessory of the night was a tiny black-and-white pin that reads "Time's Up." The pins, designed by costume designer Arianne Phillips at the request of Reese Witherspoon, are being used to promote sexual harassment prevention at the workplace and to support the Time's Up legal defense fund. According to the fund's mission statement, the initiative is a "unified call for change from women in entertainment for women everywhere." Stars wearing the pin included Justin Timberlake, James Franco, Michelle Pfeiffer, Globes host Seth Meyers, Nick Jonas, Chris Hemsworth, Chrissy Metz, Bob Odenkirk, Ewan McGregor, William H. Macy, Joseph Fiennes, Gary Oldman, Missi Pyle and many, many more.

Standing out

One way to stand out at the Golden Globes? Don't wear black… just like Hollywood Foreign Press Association President Meher Tatna (pictured) did. (The HFPA is the group that created and hosts the Globes each year.) Though she stood out in red amongst a sea of black gowns and tuxedos, it doesn't seem like Meher was protesting Hollywood's biggest names who were using the Globes to take a stand — she was wearing the Time's Up pin after all. But she wasn't the only one who wore a brighter hue. Actress Blanca Blanco wore revealing red, and German model Barbara Meier opted for a colorful floral-embellished ensemble instead. "If we want this to be the Golden Globes of the strong women who stand up for their rights, I think, it's the wrong way not to wear any sexy clothes anymore or let people take away our joy of showing our personality through fashion," Barbara said in an Instagram post.

Comedian to comedian

Comedy icon Bob Newhart had a message for 2018 Golden Globes host Seth Meyers before the telecast: Do not shy away from the wave of sexual harassment and misconduct revelations that have swept over Hollywood while emceeing the evening. "He has to deal with the sexual-harassment issue," the TV legend told Page Six before the show. "It's the 200-pound gorilla in the room." Let's be honest, it will be weird if Seth DOESN'T address it…