Wearing black is statement vs. sex sickos
THE TONE of the 75th annual Golden Globes on Sunday will be dark — at least fashion-wise.
Numerous nominees and presenters at Hollywood’s biggest party, as the show is known, will wear black to protest Tinseltown sexual harassment and in support of Time’s Up, a movement fighting it.
The jet set includes Meryl Streep, Saoirse Ronan, Gal Gadot, Reese Witherspoon, Mary J. Blige and Allison Janney.
Globe and Oscar winner Holly Hunter described donning black as a symbol of solidarity. It’s time for women, she told the Associated Press, “to act as one.”
The monochromatic message casts a shadow on the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s show that’s famous for fun — and an open bar. But that’s actually a good thing, awards experts told the Daily News.
“A sea of black dresses will make the event feel like a funeral,” said Tom O’Neil, editor of awards forecasting site GoldDerby.com. “But they’re burying Hollywood’s old casting couch and that’s cause for celebration.”
It’s also a potent reminder of the power of fashion, said awards insider George Brescia, author of “Change Your Clothes, Change Your Life.”
“Your clothes speak before you do,” he said. “Sometimes it takes more than a black ribbon to make a statement.”
Like others, Brescia is curious to see who goes rogue and “shows up in fuchsia.
“It could happen as another sort of protest,” he added. “I could see some women saying, ‘I’m wearing what makes me feel good.’”
Beyond fashion, there are other dramas set to play out. Here’s what you need to know about the show that honors the best in film and TV.
The host: This is the first time Seth Meyers is emceeing the Globes, but he’s the experienced host of “Late Night” and he hosted the 2014 Emmys.
“He faces a tough job as host,” said O’Neil. “He can’t ignore Hollywood’s hot-button issue” — one fueled by producer Harvey Weinstein, director James Toback and actor Kevin Spacey. “But how do you make jokes about sexual harassment?” Meyers has implied that allegations — and President Trump — wouldn’t be central to his Globes show.
Why the show matters: “The Globes will help to focus one of the most wide-open Oscar races ever,” said O’Neil. “Last year the Globes whittled down Oscar’s Best Picture race to ‘La La Land’ and ‘Moonlight.’ We’re looking for the same guidance now.”
Potential shockers: “Lady Bird” star Saoirse Ronan is considered a shoo-in as Best Comedy/Musical Actress, but voters are secretly bonkers for “I, Tonya” and its star, Margot Robbie. “Beware of a possible jaw-dropper,” O’Neill warned. Other predictions: The race for Best Drama Picture is a toss-up between “The Shape of Water” and “The Post,” with the outside chance of an upset by “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.” “Lady Bird” is poised to win Best Comedy/Musical Picture, but it’s threatened by “Get Out,” which keeps popping up at major awards despite not fitting the profile. It’s a comedic horror flick, not artsy, indie fare. If we’re supposed to take it seriously at the Oscars, it must break through big-time at the Globes.
Where to watch: The Golden Globes kicks off at 8 p.m. Sunday on NBC, with an arrival special at 7 p.m. E!’s “Live from the Red Carpet” airs from 6 to 8 p.m.