The 78th Golden Globe Awards took place on Sunday, February 28th, and while the star-studded event still attracted millions of viewers, the ratings saw a slight decline compared to previous years. According to Nielsen data, the ceremony drew in 9.3 million viewers, down from the 18.4 million viewers who tuned in last year.
The decline in viewership can be attributed to a few factors. One major reason is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has drastically changed the way live events are held. This year’s Golden Globes were a largely virtual affair, with nominees and presenters joining from locations around the world via video call. While this format allowed for a safe and socially distanced event, some viewers may have found it less engaging than a traditional in-person ceremony.
Additionally, the Golden Globes have faced criticism in recent years for their lack of diversity and inclusivity. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the organization behind the awards, has come under fire for its lack of Black members and questionable voting practices. This controversy may have turned off some potential viewers who are looking for more representation and fairness in the entertainment industry.
Despite the decline in ratings, the Golden Globes still managed to honor some of the best films and television shows of the past year. “Nomadland” took home the award for Best Motion Picture – Drama, while “The Crown” and “Schitt’s Creek” were big winners in the television categories. Andra Day and Chadwick Boseman were both posthumously awarded for their performances in “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” respectively.
While the Golden Globes may have seen a slight decline in viewership this year, the awards show remains a highly anticipated event in the entertainment industry. With the Oscars and other major awards ceremonies still to come, it will be interesting to see how they adapt to the challenges of the pandemic and address the calls for greater diversity and inclusion in the industry.
