NBC says, “The star-studded awards show celebrates the best in television and motion picture achievements.” The Golden Globes is considered the kickoff to awards season. Many gather around their TV screens, eagerly awaiting the results of the show every year in early January.

To understand how the Globes have changed from their first airing to now, it is useful to take a look at their history.  One thing that has not been modified is the non-profit organization who co-produces the show: the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. The HFPA comprises over 90 members that help to inform audiences about recent movies and television. According to goldenglobes.com, “HFPA members attend more than 300 interviews and countless movie and television screenings throughout each year.” The journalists in this organization are located in 55 countries worldwide.

The first Globes were held in 1944. The ceremony was not formal and awards were presented by way of scrolls. Jennifer Jones was announced Best Actress and Paul Lukas was awarded Best Actor. The next year, Marina Cisternas decided that the trophy should resemble the world, which represents the cause of the show. In 1951, the HFPA determined that the leading film actor and actress nominees would be divided into two categories (drama and comedy or musical) so each genre would be respected.

Over the years, some awards were discontinued, such as the World Film Favorite and the Newcomer award. From 1951 to 1980, some noteworthy stars who won the World Film Favorite are Steve McQueen, Doris Day, and Barbra Streisand. In the span of 1948 to 1983, important Newcomers were Timothy Hutton, Bette Midler, and Diana Ross.

Some categories that still take place today are the Trailblazer award, TV shows, and Foreign Language. Unfortunately, due to their decreasing relevance to the 21st century’s society, Cinematography and Best Documentary were only briefly active at the Globes. The most recent category was added in 2007: Best Animated Feature Film; Pixar’s Cars took the globe. Goldenglobes.com says, “Today, the Golden Globes recognize achievements in 25 categories; 14 in motion pictures and 11 in television.”

This year, the favored award show will take place on January 7, 2017. NBC has chosen Jimmy Fallon to host the show. According to usmagazine.com, Fallon tweeted, “I’m so excited to be hosting The Golden Globes in January.” 

BHS freshman Kayla Noto is among those who believe in Fallon’s ability to host: “I think Jimmy Fallon will be a good host for the Golden Globes because he can keep a crowd’s attention and make them laugh. That is the most important thing in an award show host!” Jimmy Fallon has had lots of experience as a TV personality on SNL and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

A frequently inquired question this time of year entails the difference between the Golden Globes and the Oscars. Quora.com says, “The Golden Globes Award is an honor that is awarded to a winner by 93 members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) for films and television. The Oscars are an accolade that is given annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for recognizing excellence in films.” Although the two shows are only somewhat similar, the Golden Globes are sometimes viewed as a good predictor for the Oscars.

Many people enjoy making predictions every year, foretelling who will take the prize at the Globes ceremony. A Battlefield junior named Kendal Chun says, “[People] predict winners because they are popular and to make it more exciting.” Goldderby.com has listed multiple strong possibilities of winners this year.

Chris Beachum from golderby.com states, “Many past Globe winners are top contenders to reap bids this year.” Just a few possibilities he lists are Amy Adams (“Arrival”) and Emily Blunt (“The Girl on the Train”) for drama, and  Meryl Streep (“Florence Foster Jenkins”), and Renee Zellweger (“Bridget Jones’s Baby”) for comedy. For those interested in partaking in the predictions, the Golden Globes TV nominations prediction center is now active online.

Whether one chooses to watch the Globes in 2017 or not, the HFPA guarantees to make the show as successful and eventful as possible. Mark the calendar for January 8th to view the Golden Globes!