Golden Globes: Jennifer Coolidge takes Best Supporting Actress, other Emersonians nominated

By Sophia Pargas, Editor-in-Chief

At the 80th annual Golden Globes Awards held on Jan. 10, Emerson College was represented by several alumni nominees in various categories ranging from acting, directing, producing, and screenwriting. 

Among them, Jennifer Coolidge ‘85 was the sole winner, taking home the title of Best Supporting Actress for her role as Tanya McQuoid in “The White Lotus.” She was nominated alongside fellow actresses Claire Danes, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Niecy Nash-Betts, and Aubrey Plaza.  

Coolidge’s hilarious and light-hearted acceptance speech has gone viral on social media following the ceremony. 

“I can put this down right?” Coolidge asked when she took the stage, placing her Golden Globe on the floor beside her. “I don’t work out. I can’t hold it that long.” 

In true Coolidge fashion, she let loose a few profanities and made the crowd roar of laughter throughout her time on stage. Her speech was equal parts funny, motivational, and sporadic. 

At one moment in the night, Coolidge accidentally said “the Oscar goes to” while introducing another award, prompting laughter from the crowd.

Also at the awards ceremony were Daniel Scheinert ‘09 and Daniel Kwan ‘10, directors of the film “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” a multi-genre film acclaimed for its themes of generational trauma and existentialism told through humor. The duo was nominated for Best Director and Best Screenplay for their motion picture, but lost the honors to Steven Spielberg’s “The Fabelmans” and Martin McDonagh’s “The Banshees of Inisherin,” respectively. 

Nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his work as an acting coach named Gene Cousineau in the HBO series “Barry,” Henry Winkler ‘67 was also in attendance. The award was won by Tyler James Williams of “Abbott Elementary.” 

Several alumni also produced nominated films and series in their respective categories. 

Alexandra Milchan ‘94 is the executive producer of “Black Bird,” nominated for Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, and of “Tár,” nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama. These awards were won by “The Fabelmans” and “The White Lotus,” respectively. 

Also nominated for Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for Television and beat by “The Fabelmans” was “The Dropout. Megan Mascena Gaspar ‘89 served as a producer. 

Joe Mande ‘05 was represented by “Hacks,” the comedy-drama series on which he served as consulting producer/co-executive producer. The show was nominated for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy, but the award was given to “Abbott Elementary.” 

Finally, Terry Leonard ‘99 produced “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, nominated for Best Motion Picture – Animated. The award was won by “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinnochio. 

As one of the leading institutions in the arts, specifically in visual media, it is no surprise that so many Emersonians were honored at this year’s Golden Globes Awards. With Academy Awards nominations set to be released on Jan. 24, many in the Emerson alumni community are anticipating further recognition for their work.