There’s something magical about award season that has always captivated me. The glitz, the glamour, the anticipation, it’s like a living, breathing fairy tale set against the backdrop of Hollywood’s biggest nights. The Golden Globes, Grammys, Oscars, Emmys, and even the Daytime Emmys have always felt like a series of elegant, larger-than-life celebrations. For me, it wasn’t just about who won the awards, it was about the journey there, the gowns, the tuxedos, the red carpet, and the stories of old Hollywood.
A Love for the Red Carpet
I’ve never known anyone to love the red carpet like I do, until I met my mother-in-law. She had an eye for the elegance, the drama, and the fashion statements that were on the red carpets. Watching an award show at our own homes, texting back and forth on someone's outfit or speech felt like an event in itself.
She’s since passed, but those memories of sharing that love with her hold a special place in my heart. Even now, as I sit down to watch the Golden Globes or scroll through red carpet looks online, I find myself thinking about her. She truly understood the joy of it all, the fun of immersing yourself in the spectacle of glamour for one night. Now my daughters have come to share the same excitement as I do when it comes to the award shows and especially the red carpet and the fashion.
From Award Shows to Volleyball Tournaments
Over the years, life has changed. These days, I was more likely to spend my weekends at cheer competitions and now volleyball tournaments for my youngest than watching every second of award season. It’s a shift that most parents can relate to, when your schedule becomes dominated by car rides and the endless practices and games.
And yet, part of me still holds onto the magic of award season. Even if I can’t watch live or indulge in the pre-show commentary as much as I used to, I find myself sneaking moments to catch the highlights, scrolling Instagram to see the fashion and pictures. There’s something comforting about revisiting a tradition that has been with me for so long.
The Hosts Who Made Award Shows Shine
Over the years, there have been many hosts, but few have made me laugh harder or feel more connected to the energy of the room than Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Their quick wit, self-awareness, and natural chemistry made their time hosting the Golden Globes some of the best in recent memory. They managed to poke fun at the industry while still celebrating it, a balance that seems harder to find these days. My favorite joke they did was in 2015 George Clooney was up for a lifetime achievement award and they named every amazing thing his wife, Amal Clooney had accomplished.
It’s not just about the awards or even the performances for me. The host sets the tone for the evening, turning what could be a dry affair into something unforgettable.
This year, I did catch some of the awards and I thought Nikki Glaser did a great job, kept the tone light, had some funny jokes, wasn't controversial, and I loved all of her dresses!
I noticed that in recent years, award shows have changed, and not always for the better. What used to feel like a celebration started to feel strained. Some actors appear uncomfortable on the red carpet, avoiding lighthearted questions about fashion or their experiences in favor of deeper, more serious discussions.
Don’t get me wrong, I understand the need for authenticity and addressing important issues. But part of what made award season so magical was its ability to suspend reality, if only for a minute. It was okay to admire a gorgeous gown or gush about a designer’s creativity without feeling like you were missing the bigger picture.
Back when I was younger, method actors like Daniel Day-Lewis, Joaquin Phoenix, and Jim Carrey were exceptions. Their approach to their craft was fascinating but felt rare. Now, it seems like every other actor carries an air of detachment, as if attending these “silly little awards” is beneath them. The irony, of course, is that these ceremonies exist to honor their work, the very thing they pour their heart and soul into.
I will say, last night felt like old times again, or it could be that the Golden Globes are a more laid back award show. Everyone seemed to be having fun and laughing at the jokes. The speeches were emotional, fun, and carefree.
No matter how old I get, there’s still something thrilling about award season.
Award season, for me, is about nostalgia. It’s about remembering my mother-in-law’s excitement, the laughter shared over Tina and Amy’s jokes, and the magic of old Hollywood that lingers on, even in an ever-evolving world.
Even though I was rooting for every award category Nobody Wants This was my fav, they didn't win any. But come on, Adam Brody back in the limelight and he and Leighton killing it on the red carpet. I have such a love for the Foster Sisters too; Erin wrote and created Nobody Wants This and both Erin and Sara are executive producers.
Stay Tuned..... Next up the Grammy's!!