Why Donald Trump’s Name Went Unmentioned at the Golden Globes

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2025’s restyled Golden Globes occurred on a Sunday evening, showcasing its captivating glamour as stars filled the Beverly Hilton ballroom while awards were presented in both TV and film categories. Some of Hollywood’s most illustrious personalities walked across the stage to deliver their acceptance speeches. Almost everyone attended, except Jeremy Allen White. However, a notable figure was absent from the conversations among attendees: President-elect Donald Trump.

Beyond a light joke from host Nikki Glaser concerning the president’s continued re-election in November, the incoming administration and its potential restrictive anti-liberal policies for the upcoming four years were hardly discussed. Nikki’s joke, “I’m scared,” at the end of her gag might have encapsulated the overall apprehension among the winners, presenters, and their anxious publicists on that night.

Each January, the Golden Globes initiate the award season, known for its grand yet informal atmosphere. In more recent years, it’s become a notable event where wine flows freely at every table, leading to some candid moments and relaxed conversations. For instance, Elizabeth Taylor had difficulty announcing a winner in 2001 due to being tipsy, and Jack Nicholson admitted taking Valium during an acceptance speech. This casual environment often sees political discussions and the expression of liberal Hollywood’s views on stage, year after year.

Reflecting on the 2017 Golden Globes ceremony that marked Donald Trump’s second term as President, a striking difference is evident. That night, Meryl Streep, the esteemed royalty of the Globes, graced the stage to receive a lifetime achievement award. As a seasoned nominee over 30 times, she seized her opportunity during the final days of former President Barack Obama’s term to rally those in attendance and viewers at home to unite and safeguard the First Amendment. She even highlighted the nonprofit Committee to Protect Journalists and criticized Trump for mocking a journalist with a disability. This passionate speech served as a call-to-action, resonating deeply with younger Hollywood (“In an unusual way, she’s like our president,” Rami Malek told the L.A. Times)), and the hashtag #Resistance garnered Trump’s attention, who later referred to Streep as a “Hillary Clinton supporter who lost badly.

Over time, the Golden Globes became an important platform for progressive political views in Hollywood. During speeches, particularly those related to films with feminist, pro-choice, or LGBTQ themes, issues such as feminism, abortion rights, and LGBTQ rights were frequently discussed. As the Trump years progressed and identity politics gained traction on the left, these topics were also raised during red carpet interviews. Additionally, some causes became more niche and personalized: for example, Patricia Arquette mentioning the airstrike that killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, and Joaquin Phoenix advocating for veganism.

On Sunday’s broadcast, there was no sign of political activism approaching the level we saw. The reason for this hesitance to address Trump 2.0 may be due to several factors, with Glaser identifying one significant contributor. During her campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris relied heavily on Hollywood endorsements and outreach, mobilizing A-list stars and industry professionals to promote her in swing states and boost the Black vote. However, she still lost the election. This loss was repeatedly emphasized by Trump’s team, Fox News, and anyone to the right of Joe Manchin following the election. In light of this recent defeat, it seems inappropriate for grandstanding or expressing personal political views on the E! red carpet during this time of healing.

As a gamer, I’ve learned to adapt to unexpected twists in games, and it seems we might be facing one now. Glaser jokingly (or maybe not) hinted at fear, and some silence from Sunday night might have been related to that. Trump, who has spent years being snubbed by Hollywood, has threatened revenge – constantly attacking its stars on social media and stages across the nation. Some folks might be keeping their opinions hidden, but as Steven Zeitchik notes in a recent THR article, it could just be a “recalibration” for those who realize that even Oprah and Taylor Swift couldn’t sway the masses, so why should they think they can? It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but remember, the election wasn’t a landslide; it was more of a slight shift to the right. Not much has changed here.

Perhaps the Hollywood awards ceremony organizers opted to consider this trend in their planning. Although the idea has been circulating for quite some time, this year’s Golden Globes is the first since a 2023 poll by The Hollywood Reporter/Morning Consult revealed that nearly half (47%) of the 2,000 respondents do not believe celebrity opinions have the power to alter minds. Furthermore, only 10% suggested that celebrities who express political views should primarily use events like awards shows as a platform for such expression.

20% of those surveyed stated they’d find a celebrity’s viewpoint more credible if the celebrity had won a prestigious award such as an Oscar, Emmy, or Grammy. The Globes, while significant, lack the same level of prestige compared to this trio – a factor that might have encouraged celebrities to express political opinions in the past. Now, it seems that winning a Globe may not be as impactful, potentially leading some stars to forgo sharing their views.

The production company for the Golden Globes, Dick Clark Productions, is under the ownership of Penske Media Eldridge – a partnership between Penske Media Corporation and Eldridge, who also hold The Hollywood Reporter in their portfolio.

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2025-01-06 23:27