The 2018 Golden Globes ceremony, which aired Sunday night (January 7), was more than just an awards show: It was the start of a movement. On January 1, Reese Witherspoon, America Ferrera, and more than 300 other powerful women in Hollywood launched Time’s Up Now, an action plan aimed at eliminating gender imbalance and sexual harassment in the workplace—across all industries. “The struggle for women to break in, to rise up the ranks, and to simply be heard and acknowledged in male-dominated workplaces must end; time’s up on this impenetrable monopoly,” the organization wrote on its website. So far, Time’s Up has raised more than $15 million in a legal defense fund, which can be accessed by anyone fighting harassment or inequality at work. Keep in mind this organization launched just six days ago—that’s quite a feat.
As is what happened at tonight’s Golden Globes. In a show of solidarity for Time’s Up, dozens of actresses wore all black to the show. Viewers watching at home wore black, too—and so did the people working the actual event, according to E!. This outstanding display of support and sisterhood radiated throughout the evening, which also included powerful speeches by celebrities about the essence of Time’s Up. Here’s everything that went down:
Debra Messing called out E! for not giving Catt Sandler equal pay—while being interviewed on E!
“I was so shocked to hear that E! doesn’t believe in paying their female co-hosts the same as their male co-hosts,” Messing said to Giuliana Rancic on the carpet. Her interview quickly went viral and set the tone for the evening—in the best way possible.
And Eva Longoria did the same thing.
“We stand with Catt,” she said in an interview with Ryan Seacrest, alongside Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman.
Seth Meyers’ opening monologue.
The late-night talk show host, who emceed the evening, held nothing back in his opening speech, referencing Harvey Weinstein, President Donald Trump, the recent wave of sexual harassment accusations, and the projects nominated. “It’s 2018,” he said. “Marijuana is finally allowed, and sexual harassment finally isn’t.” He ended things on a serious note, though: “Everyone in this room worked really hard to get here, but it’s clear the women worked even harder. “
Nicole Kidman’s speech for Best Actress in a Limited TV Series or TV Movie.
It was powerful, of course, and she used the opportunity to talk about Time’s Up. “My mama was an advocate for the women’s movement growing up, and because of her I’m standing here. My achievements are her achievements. This character I play represents the center of our conversation right now: abuse. I do believe we can illicit change… Let’s keep the conversation alive,” she said.
Elisabeth Moss read a Margaret Atwood excerpt during her acceptance speech for Best Actress in a TV Series, Drama.
“This is for all of the women who came before [Atwood] and after [Atwood] who were brave enough to speak up for inequality and injustice,” she said.
Sterling K. Brown praising Dan Fogelman for writing a role specifically for a Black man on This Is Us.
“I’m being seen for who I am … and it makes it that much harder to dismiss me,” he said. He was the first Black actor to win the award at the Golden Globes.
James Franco bringing up Tommy Wiseau during his speech for Best Actor, Musical or Comedy.
Wiseau tried to take the mic. It was instantly iconic.
The end of Laura Dern’s speech for Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Limited Series, or TV Movie.
“I urge all of us to not only support survivors, but to protect and employ them,” she said. “To teach our children that speaking out without fear of retribution is our new North Star.”
Oprah’s speech for the Cecil B. DeMille Award.
It was the highlight of the evening and caused the audience to give her a standing ovation not once, but twice. “I want all the girls watching here, now, to know that a new day is on the horizon,” she said. “And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say ‘Me too’ again.” Read the full speech here.
Big Little Lies winning Best Limited TV Series.
Reese Witherspoon, of course, gave a moving speech. “People out there who are feeling silenced—we see you, we hear you and we will tell your story,” she said.
Lady Bird won Best Picture, Musical or Comedy. (And Saoirse Ronan won Best Actress, Musical or Comedy!)
Completely well-deserved, and so exciting.
Natalie Portman calling out the Globes for not having any female director nominees.
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