The Strange, Sordid History of the Comedy-Musical Golden Globe

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As a lifelong movie buff and someone who has attended more award shows than I can count, I must say that the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) never ceases to surprise me with their choices when it comes to the Golden Globe Awards. Over the years, I have seen some truly baffling decisions that make me question if they’ve even watched the movies in question.

Take, for instance, the time they nominated “Alice in Wonderland” as a comedy. While Tim Burton’s visual spectacle was undeniably impressive, it certainly wasn’t a laugh-out-loud comedy. It’s like they were dangling a carrot in front of Hollywood studios with big budgets and hoping they would take the bait.

And let’s not forget “My Week With Marilyn,” a film that was so far removed from being a comedy, it was practically a documentary. The HFPA must have been blinded by the star power of Michelle Williams and Judi Dench to overlook the fact that it wasn’t funny in the slightest.

But my all-time favorite HFPA howler has to be “The Tourist.” I mean, seriously? Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie in a film that was supposed to be a comedy? Give me a break! The only thing remotely amusing about it was the fact that it made me laugh at how out of touch the HFPA can sometimes be.

Now, don’t get me wrong, there have been some good choices by the HFPA over the years. But when they go off the deep end like they did with those three films, it makes me wonder if they’re even watching the movies at all. It’s like they’re just throwing darts at a list of potential nominees and hoping for the best.

But hey, that’s showbiz! And I’ll still be tuning in to see what crazy choices they make next year. After all, it keeps things interesting, doesn’t it? Just don’t expect me to take them too seriously when they nominate a film like “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” for best comedy. That one made me laugh, but not in the way that a Golden Globe nomination should.

Oh well, I guess we can always count on Hollywood to keep us entertained, even if it’s with some questionable choices!

Since the 1950s, the Golden Globes have been acknowledging comedic films, including timeless classics like “The Apartment” and “Some Like It Hot,” directed by Billy Wilder. However, this category, which has traditionally chosen a sole winner between comedies and musicals for over six decades, hasn’t always had a trouble-free journey.

One aspect of comedy’s definition – whether it’s punchlines, slapstick, or subtle satire – has been a point of contention when it comes to the award. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association started becoming more lenient with definitions at the turn of the century, as they began nominating films that seemed neither particularly funny nor critically acclaimed. Instead, these movies were used to include popular films and stars in the award ceremony who might not have been included otherwise.

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The debate over what constitutes comedy – be it witty one-liners, physical humor, or hidden satire – has long complicated the award process. However, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association has recently taken a more liberal approach to definition, nominating films that appear neither humorous nor critically recognized. These movies serve as a means to bring popular productions and stars into the fold who might have been overlooked otherwise.

Currently, the previously smaller and more exclusive HFPA (Hollywood Foreign Press Association) has been replaced by a larger, more diverse collective of international journalists. This change has significantly reduced the number of questionable nominations, although some nominees still challenge the definition of comedy. Notably, Dick Clark Productions, which is part-owned and operated by Penske Media Eldridge (a joint venture between Penske Media Corp. and Eldridge), now oversees and produces the Golden Globe Awards. Additionally, Penske Media Eldridge also owns The Hollywood Reporter.

To get an idea of the types of films the show has recognized in recent decades, we looked at some notable nominees and grouped them into categories based on their potential to win awards and comic value. This assortment demonstrates that film comedies span a wide range, suggesting either that they cover a broad spectrum or that the Globes’ interpretation of them is expansive.

Awardsy-Hilarious

Air (2023): This movie presents a somewhat amusing portrayal of capitalism, but it’s not about humor; rather, it delves into the corporate rise-to-success in basketball, hidden aspects.

2023’s Golden Globes Ushered in a New Era with Flair, Awarding the Honor to Yorgos Lanthimos’ Witty Comedy, Which Proved Both Humorous and Excellent. (A more casual version could be: The 2023 Golden Globes started off their new chapter in style by giving the award to Yorgos Lanthimos’ clever comedy, which was not only funny but also top-notch.)

Sideways (2004): The humorous and captivating film, Sideways, directed by Alexander Payne, garnered much acclaim with Paul Giamatti’s performance as a wine connoisseur grappling with discontentment. This movie won an award in 2005, proving that the Hollywood Foreign Press Association could indeed make accurate choices in this category.

The Substance (2024): This upcoming movie is certainly worth a watch. However, it’s more than just a typical horror film; it’s excessively frightening at times, yet still manages to elicit a nervous chuckle. Despite these humorous moments, the film isn’t intended to be comedic. Instead, it offers profound insights about the challenges of aging and self-perception.

Awardsy-Somber

Anora (2024): This year’s Golden Globe winners have significantly improved the standard in this category. However, the occasional bursts of laughter from the audience during this movie often bring on a wince of recognition rather than genuine amusement.

Get Out (2017): The term “the sunken place” has become well-known on the internet, but those who fail to grasp the symbolism behind Jordan Peele’s exceptional directorial debut might find its examination of contemporary racial issues amusing instead.

In my humble opinion, one of the most remarkable movies that the Golden Globe Foreign Press Association has ever nominated in this category was probably shown in 2013. However, the film’s portrayal of artificial intelligence left me feeling more disheartened rather than amused back then, and looking back now, it seems even less funny or appealing to me. As a tech enthusiast who grew up surrounded by cutting-edge technology, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of AI in various aspects of life. But the movie’s depiction of AI seemed to oversimplify its potential benefits while highlighting its darker side, which left me feeling uneasy and disillusioned. The film failed to capture the nuances and complexities that come with embracing artificial intelligence, making it a less enjoyable viewing experience for me.

The Martian (2015) – A Different Perspective: Although it might seem humorous if you look at it in a certain way, this movie is technically a comedy. People did chuckle when the line about “applying science to extremes” was said. However, finding humor in cultivating potatoes on distant planets may be a stretch.

The Squid and the Whale (2005): Noah Baumbach drew inspiration from his parents’ divorce to create this subtle coming-of-age drama, set in 1980s Brooklyn. It is a remarkable film, but you won’t find many laughs here.

Hilarious-Plebian

Babylon (2022): Damien Chazelle’s nearly three-hour film portraying a colorful array of eccentric Hollywood figures in the 1920s and early 1930s was… perhaps amusing at times? And arguably deserving of accolades on occasion?

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (2020):

This movie brought on the chuckles and exposed Rudy Giuliani in a compromising position. However, trying to smuggle adult film actor “Johnny the Monkey” into the White House isn’t usually the plotline for formal, high-brow films.

The Hangover (2009): Quite amusing, though the image of Mike Tyson’s Maori tattoo on Ed Helms’ face might not be something that would win an award.

Or simply:

The Hangover (2009): Funny overall, but Mike Tyson’s Maori tattoo on Ed Helms’ face is questionable in terms of awards.

Somber-Plebian

In the 2010 version of Alice in Wonderland, it might have been overlooked entirely by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) if it hadn’t earned over a billion dollars at the box office. This made it more challenging for them to turn a blind eye to its existence.

My Week With Marilyn (2011):

Interestingly, despite being portrayed, the story of the iconic blonde’s London adventure didn’t secure a Best Picture nomination from any other significant film body. However, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association recognized The Weinstein Company for this production.

Pride & Prejudice (2005): Usually, romantic dramas don’t receive much praise, but it’s quite amusing how this movie is categorized under comedy, given its role as a reminder against rash judgment – a theme that runs through both the film and the book.

The Tourist (2010): This film was a classic favorite among old HFPA members. It boasted A-list actors and a rich European background, which typically appeals to them. Regrettably, it lacked the essential ingredients of a comedic movie that could potentially win awards.

I recently came across an interesting tale featured in the January 3rd edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Want to keep up with such stories? Consider subscribing here!

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2025-01-04 21:56