Mahal Kitas in the 2024 Golden Globe Awards
Despite the controversies and critiques, Jo Koy brought a fresh perspective to the Golden Globes, and in the grand tapestry of Hollywood, a little Filipino flair is always a welcome addition
by Mika Reyes
Featured photo courtesy of Jo Koy and The Golden Globes
January 9, 2023
In the 2024 Golden Globe Awards, the spotlight took an unexpected turn as the stage was graced by none other than Jo Koy, the Filipino comedian best known for his comedy specials in Comedy Central and Netflix. As the first Filipino comedian to host the Golden Globes, Jo Koy brought a unique flavor to the glamorous affair, sprinkling it with his signature Filipino humor.
However, not every punchline hit the mark. One particular quip about Taylor Swift's camera time sparked a Twitter storm among Swifties. Koy jokingly remarked, "The big difference between the Golden Globes and the NFL? On the Golden Globes, we have fewer camera shots of Taylor Swift, I swear." Oops! It seems the joke didn't strike the right chord with Taylor Swift, who was seen sipping a glass of champagne after the punchline with a disapproving face.
Yet, in true Jo Koy fashion, he addressed the criticism head-on and said sorry right after. The Comedy Central veteran even addressed the lack of enthusiasm in the room during the big night. "Yo, I got the gig ten days ago," he defended himself during the show. "You want a perfect monologue? Shut up … I wrote some of these, and they’re the ones you’re laughing at." It turns out, the comedian had a mere ten days to prepare for the grand event, a testament to his willingness and adaptability.
The last-minute hosting gig might be attributed to the aftermath of the 2021 Golden Globes' diversity scandal. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association faced backlash for its lack of Black members, prompting it to be difficult for the organization to find a host. Jo Koy stepped up to the challenge, navigating the tricky terrain of hosting with a mix of charm and self-awareness.
Amidst the chuckles and groans, it's refreshing to witness Filipino representation on such a grand stage. Jo Koy seamlessly integrated his Filipino roots into the show, poking fun at the Filipino accent, the obsession with karaoke, and even expressing admiration for Hollywood luminaries like Meryl Streep. As a sweet touch, he ended his hosting stint with a heartfelt "mahal kita" — "I love you" in Tagalog — echoing the sentiment to his fellow Filipinos worldwide.
Now, let's take a quick glance at the real stars of the night — the winners:
Film Categories:
Best Actor in a Motion Picture — Drama: Cillian Murphy for "Oppenheimer"
Best Actress in a Motion Picture — Drama: Lily Gladstone for "Killers of the Flower Moon"
Best Motion Picture — Drama: "Oppenheimer"
Television Categories:
Best Television Series – Drama: "Succession"
Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama: Kieran Culkin for "Succession"
Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama: Sarah Snook for "Succession"
Comedy and Musical Categories:
Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy: "Poor Things"
Best Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy: Paul Giamatti for "The Holdovers"
Best Actress in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy: Emma Stone for "Poor Things"
Other Notable Wins:
Best Original Song: "What Was I Made For?" by Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell (from "Barbie")
Best Director — Motion Picture: Christopher Nolan for "Oppenheimer"
