Golden Globe Award Quiz: How Deep Is Your Pop Culture Knowledge?

Shakespeare in Love winning Best Picture – Drama at the 1998 Golden Globes over Saving Private Ryan was controversial and surprising. The film, a romantic period comedy-drama, was praised for its clever screenplay and strong performances, but Saving Private Ryan was seen as the more technically and emotionally powerful film. Many critics attributed Shakespeare in Love’s awards success to aggressive campaigning. This marked a moment when the politics of awards campaigning became a widely discussed issue, showing how critical acclaim doesn’t always guarantee victory in major ceremonies.

Meryl Streep holds the record for the most Golden Globe wins by an actor, with eight competitive wins and numerous nominations over decades. Her versatility, range, and consistent excellence in both drama and comedy have made her a perennial nominee. She has won for roles in films like The Devil Wears Prada, Kramer vs. Kramer, and The Iron Lady. Streep’s Golden Globe record reflects not only critical acclaim but also the respect she commands across generations and genres within the industry.

The Golden Globes are awarded by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), a group of international journalists based in Southern California who report on the U.S. entertainment industry for foreign media outlets. Unlike the Academy Awards, which are voted on by film industry professionals, the Globes are decided by a smaller group—less than 100 voters. This smaller voting body and dual focus on both film and television make the Golden Globes unique among major awards.

House of Cards made history in 2014 as the first original streaming series to win a Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Drama. Its success marked a pivotal shift in how content was being produced and consumed, with Netflix establishing itself as a serious player in the awards scene. The win demonstrated the industry’s increasing recognition of streaming platforms as legitimate avenues for high-quality storytelling, challenging traditional networks and cable broadcasters for critical and commercial attention.

In 2020, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood won Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Quentin Tarantino’s nostalgic tribute to 1969 Los Angeles was celebrated for its performances, direction, and screenplay. Though not a traditional musical or comedy, the Globes’ categorization system allowed it to compete outside the more intense drama field. Its win emphasized the HFPA’s broader interpretation of the “Musical or Comedy” category, which often includes light dramas and genre-bending entries.

The Golden Globe Awards are held annually, typically every January. They serve as one of the first major indicators of the awards season and can influence the momentum of Oscar campaigns. Held by the HFPA, the annual format allows the organization to recognize excellence in entertainment from the previous calendar year. Their yearly cadence contributes to the structure of awards season, offering fans and studios a preview of how the Academy and other major organizations might vote.

Zendaya became the youngest winner of the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Drama in 2023 for her role in Euphoria. At just 26, she earned acclaim for portraying a complex, emotionally troubled teen dealing with addiction and trauma. Her performance demonstrated remarkable depth and maturity, setting her apart in a competitive category. Zendaya’s win not only affirmed her transition from Disney star to serious actress but also marked a generational shift in the types of stories and performances being honored.

The Golden Globes were first televised in 1958, marking a new era of awards ceremonies as mass entertainment. Broadcasting the event allowed the HFPA to expand its reach and influence beyond the industry, transforming it into a pop culture staple. Televising the ceremony added glamor and public engagement to what had previously been a more private, industry-insider event. It also opened up new sponsorship opportunities and set the standard for other televised awards.

Heath Ledger posthumously won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in 2009 for his role as the Joker in The Dark Knight. Ledger’s performance was haunting, transformative, and deeply unsettling—earning widespread critical acclaim. Following his tragic death in 2008, his win was both a tribute to his immense talent and a recognition of a performance that redefined a comic book villain for a new generation. It highlighted how acting awards sometimes become part of a broader legacy conversation.

One of the major differences between the Golden Globes and the Oscars is that the Globes honor both film and television, while the Oscars focus solely on cinema. This dual focus allows the Golden Globes to reflect a wider spectrum of the entertainment landscape, from blockbuster films to streaming shows. It also creates a more diverse event in terms of categories and nominees. This structure is part of what makes the Golden Globes a unique and influential awards show during the season.