This year’s 78th Golden Globe Awards ceremony will be hosted bicoastally for the first time in history. And while the event will take place in both Los Angeles and New York City, that doesn’t mean Iowans can’t still indulge in the glitz and fun of Hollywood’s biggest night right in their own state. Here’s what you need to know for how to celebrate the Golden Globe Awards in Iowa.
What to Know About the Golden Globes
The Golden Globe Awards celebrate the best achievements in everything from film and television—and usually serve as an early indicator of who might take home an Oscar statue at the Golden Globes. The ceremony typically airs in early January, but due to COVID-19 concerns, the event was pushed back to the end of February. Now, the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards will air live coast to coast on NBC on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, from The Beverly Hilton Hotel. It’s still a bit unclear how exactly the show will look with regards to in-person attendees, but audiences can expect an entertaining evening with comedy duo Amy Poehler and Tina Fey set to return as hosts for the program again.
How to Watch the Golden Globes From Home
Thanks to the accessibility provided via the Internet, cable and streaming services, just about anyone should be able to tune into the program. Those with cable can watch the show live on NBC or through the NBC website and app. Paid subscription services like Fubo TV, Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, and even Youtube TV also carry the show—if you’re not already subscribed, you can always test out the free trial for the purposes of the occasion.
Those looking to make a full day out of the event can also tune into the HFPA’s exclusive red carpet coverage, the “HFPA Presents: Globes Countdown Live.” The countdown will air before the 2021 Golden Globes starting at 6:30 p.m. EST on the Golden Globes Twitter account. The 90-minute pre-show will be hosted by actress Sofia Carson and “Access Hollywood” reporter Zuri Hall, who will conduct celebrity interviews virtually. It’s still unclear if there will be any red carpet coverage at this time.
You can also fill out your own personal ballot to cast all of your predictions for the big night’s winners with this downloadable Golden Globes 2021 ballot from The Gold Knight.
Golden Globe Events to Attend (Virtually)
The Cinema Arts Centre will host three free watch parties on Zoom—one for the Globes, one for the upcoming SAG Awards, and one for the Academy Awards in April. Attendees can watch the award shows on their own TV, and then also join the watch parties simultaneously on their phone. Activities include everything from trivia bingo to ballot contests and so much more. Since the event is virtual, everyone is invited to attend too.
The organization is also hosting a “fundraiser for the future” via an Awards Season Auction. Anyone can bid in the auction, regardless of whether they are attending the free Watch Parties. The Golden Globes Watch Party is a free companion event that will begin at the same time as the ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 28.
How Will Iowa’s Best Films Picks Match Up to the Golden Globes?
The esteemed Iowa Film Critics Association just announced their picks for the best showcases in 2020 film. Given the organization’s recognition within the national film community, it will be interesting to see if their critic’s choices for the best films and performances will be in line with those of the HFPA. In their top categories, the IFCA voted “Nomadland” for best picture, with the film’s director, Chloe Zhao, also taking the top prize for best director.
In acting categories, the organization awarded the late Chadwick Boseman the prize for best actor, while Frances McDormand was noted as being the winner for best actress. All of the IFCA’s winners are also nominated in the same respective categories at this year’s Golden Globe Awards. Critics, voters and audiences alike will soon find out who actually will take home the gold awards come Sunday night.
Where to Watch These Golden Globe-Nominated Films
Clearly, “Nomadland” dominated the IFCA’s categories for the best showcases in film this year, and for good reason too. In fact, many projections are already giving the film, its director, and accompanying cast the highest chance of winning at this Sunday’s ceremony. And while theater closures and a number of other pandemic restrictions have forced films to release on streaming services, you can still catch this critically-acclaimed film (and a handful of others) at Collins Road Theaters across the state of Iowa.