The 83rd Golden Globes Awards saw a significant victory for streaming services, with Netflix leading the way with seven wins. Apple TV+ and HBO Max each secured three awards, and Hulu took home one. This outcome underscores the growing influence of these platforms in the entertainment industry as traditional television viewership continues to decline.
Key wins for Netflix included the series “Adolescence,” which garnered four awards, including Best Limited Series, alongside acting accolades for Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, and Erin Doherty. “KPop Demon Hunters,” Netflix’s most-watched title, was recognized with awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song. The awards ceremony took place in Los Angeles on January 7th, 2024, and was broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock.
The Rise of Streaming at the Golden Globes
Netflix’s strong performance arrives as the company navigates a period of substantial change and expansion within Hollywood. Notably, Netflix is preparing for the acquisition of Warner Bros., a move that would dramatically reshape the media landscape. This success at the Golden Globes could bolster confidence in the company’s strategic direction and attract further investment.
Apple TV+ also enjoyed a successful evening, with “The Studio” winning Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy, and Seth Rogen taking home the award for Best Actor in a TV Series. Rhea Seehorn was awarded Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama for her role in “Pluribus.” These wins demonstrate Apple’s increasing commitment to original content and its ability to compete with established players.
HBO’s medical drama, “The Pitt,” was another standout performer, earning two Golden Globes, including a win for Noah Wylie. Jean Smart added to HBO’s tally with a win for Best Female Actor in a TV Series – Musical or Comedy for her work on “Hacks.” The network, known for its high-quality programming, continues to be a force in the awards season.
However, not all nominees from the major streaming platforms converted to wins. Hulu’s Michelle Williams secured a Best Lead Actress award for “Dying for Sex,” but popular titles like “Only Murders in the Building,” “The Bear,” “Paradise,” and “Chad Powers” were overlooked. This highlights the competitive nature of the awards and the difficulty in predicting outcomes.
Disney+’s Nomination Drought
In contrast to the successes of its competitors, Disney+ received a substantial number of nominations – 15 in total, including recognition for “Andor” and “Elio” – but failed to secure any wins. This outcome may prompt a reevaluation of Disney+’s content strategy and investment in original programming. The company faces increasing pressure to demonstrate a return on its significant investment in the platform.
The Golden Globes also signaled a broadening definition of entertainment with the introduction of a new category: Best Podcast. Amy Poehler won the inaugural award for “Good Hang with Amy Poehler,” beating out nominees like Alex Cooper’s “Call Her Daddy” and “Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard.” This inclusion reflects the growing popularity and cultural impact of the podcasting medium.
The addition of the podcast category is part of a wider effort by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), which awards the Golden Globes, to modernize the awards and broaden their scope. Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of the HFPA’s diversity and transparency, leading to reforms and a renewed focus on inclusivity. The organization has also been working to increase its relevance in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
The impact of these awards on viewership and subscriber numbers for the winning streaming platforms remains to be seen. However, industry analysts suggest that awards recognition can significantly boost a show’s profile and attract new audiences. This is particularly true for platforms like Netflix and Apple TV+, which rely heavily on original content to drive subscriptions.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on how these streaming services leverage their Golden Globes wins to promote their content and attract new subscribers. The upcoming release schedules of Netflix, Apple TV+, and HBO Max will be closely watched for any indication of a shift in strategy. The ongoing negotiations surrounding the Warner Bros. acquisition will also be a key area of interest, as will the performance of Disney+ in the coming months. The next major awards event, the Primetime Emmy Awards, will provide another benchmark for measuring the success of these platforms and their programming. The evolving landscape of digital media will continue to be shaped by these competitive dynamics.
