Once again, the Golden Globes doubled as family night. Not officially, of course — but unofficially enough that it’s become a thing. As usual, the ballroom was dotted with moms —and a smattering of dads — smiling gamely as Hollywood did what it does.
Michael B. Jordan, who we’ll assume could probably score a date if he wanted one, brought his mother, Donna. Leonardo DiCaprio, as usual, brought his mom. Miley Cyrus brought hers. Glen Powell showed up with both parents (“We can’t get his attention anymore,” his mom told Rambling while observing her son chatting with a particularly glamorous fellow attendee).
Of course, keeping it in the family comes with risks. Relatives can find themselves drafted into moments they did not exactly sign up for. Jordan’s mom found that out early when host Nikki Glaser made a lusty joke about her son, then noticed Donna in the room and hastily fake apologized. DiCaprio’s mother has spent years sitting through jokes about her son’s dating life, often with the camera cutting her way as if to check in.
Still, the upsides tend to win out. A relative may have to endure a joke or two, but they bring instant goodwill, zero narrative baggage and the comforting knowledge that nothing said onstage will be the most embarrassing thing they’ve ever heard about the nominee.
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Also in Rambling Reporter:
What’s up with all the James Bond casting rumors — and why they’re always wrong; and THR talks to real Palm Beachers about how much they hate Netflix’s new Members Only show.
This story appeared in the Jan. 15 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.
