On January 7, 2023, the 81st Golden Globe Awards announced their esteemed list of winners for their 2024 award ceremony. Spotlighting a new era of inclusivity, the standouts this year were the Asian creatives ranging from participants in projects with all-inclusive casting to rising stars in their breakout roles. The acknowledgement of these exceptional contributions from Asian directors, actors, and storytellers demonstrates once again the industry’s pivot to be more inclusive and the desire for authentic representation for underrepresented communities. Check out this year’s AAPI stars you should know about below!
Charles Melton
Charles Melton stood out on the red carpet for his endearing attendance with his mother Sukyong Melton in support of the actor’s nomination in the Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture category for drama film May December (2023). Melton’s captivating performance has earned him well due recognition this year for adding an extra layer of depth to the film’s narrative, and many anticipate future award shows to also recognize the actor.
The Team Behind Past Lives
The Past Lives (2023) team also made appearances for their outstanding five nominations across multiple categories. The film was up for Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, and Best Picture, Non-English Language. Most recently, the romantic drama movie was recognized as Best First Film by the New York Film Critics Circle, as director Celine Song’s first feature film.
The Cast of Beef
Netflix’s Beef (2023) notably had a sweeping victory with all of their nominations winning the Best Limited Series, Anthology Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television. Starring Steven Yeun and comedian Ali Wong the black comedy anthology series also boasted breakout roles for up-and-coming Young Manzino and Joseph Lee.
The versatility of its cast’s powerful performances and unique blend of drama, humor, and poignant moments earned the show their well deserved accolades. Yeun and Wong took home their first Golden Globes ever for Best Actor and Best Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television, respectively.
The Boy and the Heron
Having come back after his retirement, director Hayao Miyazaki brought another addition to the Studio Ghibli film franchise with The Boy and the Heron (2023). Competing against five more animated films nominated for a Golden Globe this season, The Boy and the Heron won Studio Ghibli its first award in Best Motion Picture for Animated films. The film marks another legendary moment for director Miyazaki, having made history as the first non-English work to win this award.
The Boy and the Heron is a semi-autobiographical film that sprinkles in details from director Miyazaki’s life. Largely inspired from Miyazaki’s childhood, the film weaves an especially touching story of young protagonist Mahito during the Pacific War. Having lost his mother in a hospital fire, Mahito traipses the world of life and death with his companion heron. The Boy and the Heron wistfully brings back Studio Ghibli’s signature whimsical animation, artfully detailing intimate facets of life and loss.
Lily Gladstone
Lily Gladstone made history becoming the first Indigenous woman to claim the highly coveted Best Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for her stunning performance in Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon (2023). Her portrayal of Mollie, a quiet but level-headed wife opposite Leonardo Dicaprio, has been greatly praised and has solidified the actress as a rising powerhouse in the industry.
The attendance and recognition of talents such as director Celine Song, actress Michelle Yeoh, actor Charles Melton, actress Ali Wong, actor Steven Yeun, Studio Ghibli, and more demonstrates Hollywood’s continued growing shift and striving towards inclusivity. These films and television series backed by Asian creatives not only showcase the rich resonant perspectives of Asian cultures but also affirm the importance of such diverse storytelling. Congratulations to all the winners of the 81st Golden Globes!
Photos courtesy of Viacom/CBS. Photography by Gaye Ann Bruno/Aimee Santos.
Interested in more about the 81st Golden Globes? Check out the Best Dressed at the ceremony’s red carpet here!
