‘On the right side of history’
The 2018 Golden Globe nominations reflected a wide range of hot topics in culture today. In response to their recognition, some of this year’s nominees discussed how art is imitating life and vice versa.
Lead actress nominee Margot Robbie on how “I, Tonya” fits into a year of powerful female-led narratives:
Everyone is really letting their voices be heard this year, and I think it’s fantastic. When you see Sofia Coppola win at Cannes, and you see “Wonder Woman” smash the box office, it’s so encouraging for everyone who is really trying to let their voice be heard. (Mark Olsen)
Lead actress in a limited series nominee Jessica Biel of “The Sinner” on television embracing complex female characters:
It happens to be a time where these types of challenging, complicated stories with women at the helm are being readily accepted in conjunction with this movement of female empowerment. With power like this comes a responsibility to make incredible content that’s supportive of the cause and not exploitative — but also honest and transparent about who we are as women. But, yes, it’s a product of its time. It’s that lightning-in-a-bottle thing. (Deborah Vankin)
Supporting actress nominee Hong Chau on the response to her “Downsizing” character from Asian American viewers:
It’s funny because people have asked me a lot about representation and what it means to me. The way I grew up I didn’t quite think that way, but it’s hitting me now when people, particularly Asian Americans, come up to me and they’re so excited — I feel this joy that I couldn’t have anticipated feeling that it means so much to them to see a person who looks like them on-screen in a major role that is integral and vital to the story. It’s a really nice feeling, and I couldn’t have anticipated it. (Jen Yamato)
Lead actress in a comedy series nominee Alison Brie of “GLOW” on being a part of a show depicting women demanding to be heard and seen in a male-driven world:
I feel like we’re really on the right side of history. More than anything, I think I feel relieved and grateful that I get to come to work in such a safe and encouraging environment — working with all these women on material that I really believe in. The stuff that we’re reading about every day did not exist on this set. And, if anything, we’re creating a forum to talk about that through the art that we’re making. (Yvonne Villarreal)
Supporting actress nominee Laurie Metcalf on how Greta Gerwig’s “Lady Bird” reflects the banner year for women in film:
I don’t know if it comes in waves or if this was planned, but the timing couldn’t be better. And with “Lady Bird” helmed and written and starring a really strong female character carrying the show, and it’s gotten such a really great response from audiences, I hope people put two and two together. (Sonaiya Kelley)
Ann Dowd, a supporting actress nominee for “The Handmaid’s Tale” on parallels between the show and the current political climate:
The shock value just never ends. The fact that Roy Moore is being supported by the president of the United States. If someone wrote that, you’d say, “Come on.” But, in fact i,t’s true. The number of people who have come out, you would never suspect.
We think of “Handmaid’s Tale” as “Are we ever going to get to that point?” No, we’re not because women are prepared. (Meredith Blake)